The problem with holidays is that, while they are occasions of celebration and joy, they can mask or gloss over our sadness. For many, that’s enough, just a little relief. But some hurts go deeper.
Maybe yours could have been “Mother of the Year.” My own mother blessed me in countless ways. But some have memories of Mom that bring grief, not joy. Maybe she didn’t approve of your mate, was manipulative, or expected you to earn her love. Or perhaps it was you who spent years breaking her heart living foolishly.
Dealing with heartache takes perspective, and that requires admitting our guilt or disappointment. Only then can we make peace with our past and find healing for both ourselves and others.
Perspective also requires forgiveness. In a fallen world, we offend and are offended every day without exception. Maybe this is why the longest petition in the Lord’s Prayer is: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” God is asking us to do for others (including Mom) what He has done for us. Matthew 18:21-35
The freedom we find in forgiving and being forgiven is truly the cornerstone in the foundation of all relationships in a fallen world. It enables us fully to let go of the hurts, not just pretend they didn’t happen or weren’t that bad. And it rids us of the corrosive power of self-righteousness, for we are admitting that we, too, are sinners.
Forgiveness breaks down barriers, cleanses the soul, replaces bitterness with peace, and makes celebration possible. Conscience cleared, we can say, “Happy Mother’s Day!” and mean it.
“Father, thank you for Mom and your blessings that came to us through her. We seek to honor her and her memory in your love. We thank you for the lessons she taught us, and pray that you grant her peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”