5/6/2024
Are you pondering what to give a mom for Mother’s Day this year? I’ve got some ideas, but as is customary in the world of blogging, you’ll need to read to the end to discover them.
In our household, we’re devoted fans of Bluey. If you’re unfamiliar, then you've yet to fall in love with the Heeler family, a delightful family of animated dogs. Within this heartwarming children’s series, parents exude boundless patience and engage wholeheartedly in their children’s imaginative escapades.
Each episode contains profound lessons for both parents and children, if you care to find them. Take, for instance, an episode where the eldest pup, Bluey, enrolls herself in “mum school”, subjecting her parenting skills to scrutiny. Naturally, chaos ensues, unveiling some, let’s say, unconventional parenting techniques.
As a mother to two vibrant, amazing, and at times, wonderfully chaotic children, I find myself reflecting on my own parenting journey and, more often than not, feeling inadequate. For any non-parents reading, let me assure you, the weight of mom guilt is indeed real.
When I’m at work, the guilt of not being with my children gnaws at me. Conversely, when I’m with them, my mind often drifts to work and the ever-expanding to-do list awaiting my attention. The cycle of tasks at home and in the office seems unending, leaving me perpetually feeling as though I’ve fallen short. I, like Bluey, am flunking "mum school."
We, and society at large, place immense pressure on mothers. Staci Etheridge aptly describes these pressures as “mother wounds” – scars borne from unmet expectations or perceived failures by our own mothers. Whether minor or profound, these wounds linger.
This Mother’s Day, perhaps what most mothers crave is a generous serving of grace. Let's extend grace to our own mothers, recognizing their humanity and imperfections. This isn’t to excuse abuse or neglect but to acknowledge our shared humanity, our shared brokenness, and our shared need for forgiveness.
So, extend grace this Mother’s Day. And moms, remember to extend that grace to yourselves as well. As Chili Heeler wisely remarks, “We all flunk mum school sometimes,” and “you’re doing great”. Acknowledge your imperfections, embrace your strengths and weaknesses, and accept that you’re not expected to be flawless.
And that’s perfectly all right. Because in our weakness, we find strength in Jesus. We need not strive to be everything to everyone, for Jesus is more than sufficient for all. We can lean on His strength, His wisdom, and His grace, allowing His strength to shine through our weaknesses.
So, this Mother’s Day, I propose the gift of grace and a warm embrace, for mothering is undeniably hard work!
In God’s Grace,
Jackie Taylor
P.S. Moms also appreciate meals we don’t have to plan, cook, or clean up after, as well as massages from paid professionals.
You’re welcome.