Mama Bear
On this Mother’s Day 2022, I have been laying in bed reflecting on my life and relationships. I had the opportunity to spend a few days of uninterrupted quality time with my mother, having a different kind of appreciation for the reality that many don’t have that privilege and I should cherish every moment. On my 6-hour drive back to Charlotte yesterday, I also had time to reflect on how blessed I am to be a mother. At various times in my life, I have been lovingly and sometimes not so lovingly referred to as a Mama Bear. I admit, I probably shouldn’t have stormed up to the bus stop and yelled at the kids that were bullying by baby… LOL but I’ve grown since then.
According to www.bearsmart.com bears are not mean or malicious; they are very gently and tolerant animals. Mother bears are affectionate, protective, devoted, strict, sensitive and attentive with their young. So there… to all of us Mama Bears, give yourself grace because there are seasons that call for all of these characteristics.
Lately, I have been party to several conversations with mothers who are managing various seasons of their parenting journeys. Some are beaming with pride as their children reach major milestones, while others struggle through regrets, losses of relationships and/or fear for their children in their various seasons of life. No matter the story, all roads lead back to an even deeper heart of gratitude in me.
I am blessed to have the relationships that I have with my mother and my sons.
It is only by God’s grace and mercy that my sons are as balanced as they are despite my many flaws.
I am grateful to have had a good example to have gotten more right than I did wrong.
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I sometimes struggle to understand God’s unconditional love as a father because of my relationship with my earthly father, however this morning God reminded me that He too carries all the characteristics of a Mama Bear, of which I can firmly understand. He is affectionate, protective, devoted, strict, sensitive and attentive to my every need. That gives me such comfort and peace!
Being a mother is NOT easy by any stretch of the imagination. It requires sacrifices that I didn’t know were possible, but it is the most awesome responsibility that I’ve ever had. I pray the seeds that I’ve sown will build a legacy of love for generations to come!
For those missing their mothers today, I pray you have cherished memories to hold onto. For every mother who has lost a child, you will always be a mother worthy of celebration. For those who are struggling to feel worthy of the Mother’s Day accolades, give yourself some grace and know that every day is a great day to be better and build bridges to heal broken relationships. To every Auntie who has stood in the gap and loved the children of others as if they were your own, we love you! Last, to all the rest, be grateful and remain humble, tomorrow is not promised. Let yourselves be showered with all the love and appreciation you deserve!
Until next time…
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