I got a Mother’s Day gift yesterday. No, no, I don’t have an announcement to make. But it was Mother’s Day and I did get a gift. Two, as a matter of fact.
My church decided to honor all the women in the congregation, not just those who are mothers, with a rose. It’s beautiful and it makes me smile. So often those of us without children or families of our own feel a little down on days like these. But the flowers and the words paid tribute to those women who invest in the lives of others in ways outside of the roles specifically assigned to parents.
And then later in the day I got a text that made me cry. But in a good way. A young woman I’ve known for years and who now lives on the other side of the country sent me a message to thank me for “sticking around” in her life. I knew what she meant. We’ve been through some challenging times together.
And as the tears streamed down my face, I realized something. I realized that we pray, “God use me”, but that sometimes we don’t know how God is answering that prayer. We don’t know what is going on behind the scenes, or how much time will go by until there is evidence of God’s hand.
But every once in a while, God pulls back the curtain. He lets me know my life makes a difference when I surrender it to Him. And even though I don’t have any children of my own, I can still invest in the lives of others as a “big sister” or “aunt” or simply…friend.
So while so many other women were celebrating with their children and grandchildren and families, I had a quiet moment of celebration with God, thankful for the gifts of a rose and a text and a reminder that He can still use me.
…strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith… Acts 14:22
Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3
Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. 2 Timothy 2:20-21
Anticipatience 
A sweet reminder. I spent about 5 hours with my mom yesterday, who no longer knows me, just talking about our lives, her childhood, and happier times in her life. It’s something I do a few times a week, while I feed her lunch, hold her hand, do her nails, brush her hair, and sometimes, just watch her sleep. I think this Mother’s Day was the least sorry I’ve ever felt for myself. LOL!
Your Mom is so blessed to have you in her life! You are the gift to her.