Mother's Day has not always been a happy day for me. There were a few years when I dreaded that Sunday in May. Especially if church leaders in whatever congregation I was attending asked all the mothers to stand. It seemed every woman around me was on her feet and I was huddled in their proud shadows, barren and small.
Even now, with three kids (THREE!!) who all know me as mommy, those familiar feelings somehow found their way into my heart yesterday. It wasn't a bad thing. Like most challenging times, I think there is a part left behind on purpose. It was made clear to me during a poignant relief society lesson I heard yesterday (I actually heard the ENTIRE lesson thanks to a mother's day gift of daddy taking all the little ones instead of our usual divide and conquer strategy). That fleeting feeling of emptiness, despite my cup obviously flowing over was to remind me of others whose hearts ache because their arms are empty.
Although those years of lack were few, it left a powerful scar. I don't think I will be able to have a Mother's Day without thinking of those who aren't. So I leave you with a beautiful message by Sheri Dew. I love this message. I loved it before I had children of my own and I still love it now.
Are We Not All Mothers? by Sheri Dew
"Motherhood is more than bearing children. … It is the essence of who we are as women."
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