Honoring my Mother

Mother's Day is truly bittersweet for me. This is my 8th Mother's Day without my Mother. The day is bitter because I miss my Mom. The day is sweet because of all the memories made with her, and all the memories I'm making with my own children, and bitter again because she's not here to make memories with her grandchildren. When she was in the midst of her 3-month battle with cancer she told me, "Nikki, I wish when I get to Heaven, the Lord would give me a picture of my grandchildren so I could see how they will all look when they are grown-up."

For all those who call Jesus "Savior and Lord" we do not drown in despair - we rise in hope because we know this life on earth is only a vapor (according to James 4:14) and our time in eternity in Heaven is well, eternal. I believe I'll get to see my Mom's smile, hear her laugh again, and I pray all her grandchildren will come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, so she will get to see all her grandchildren, all grown up in Heaven one day.

So, on this Mother's Day I honor my mother by remembering her and sharing my memories of her with her grandchildren. Before she died she said her happiest memories in life were "having babies." My mother knew her greatest work was having her five children, and I am thankful I had a mother who loved being a mother. She was not a perfect mother and neither am I. This is a testimony of God's goodness and work in spite of all our imperfections. I want my children to see and know for certain what a privilege it is for me to be their Mom. I truly desire to be full of JOY in this journey of motherhood.

Have you seen what Ann Voskamp is sharing over at her blog, "A Holy Experience?" She is sharing two free downloads. One is entitled, "Real Life Helps for Really Busy Mom," and the other, "Grace Prayers for Joyful Parenting." Please click over and be blessed by the encouragement she is so graciously sharing.

*Reposted from the archives. Revised and updated.*