Celebrating special days is not as simple as it once was.  Mother's Day is an example of how much our world changed.  No one can debate the importance of a mother to a family.  It probably seemed like a good idea years ago to recognize them at least one time per year.  The idea is still a good one but we live in very different times.  No one is at fault for this but we need to recognize life as it is now.  We absolutely should recognize our moms for all they do.  But just take a few realities into account as you do.


We once would recognize the youngest mother in attendance during the church service.  Odds are good most churches no longer take that risk.  Where we once knew the young married woman who just became a mother we now deal with pregnancies in very young women.  Taking note of the mother with the most children was once popular.  Now we know not all women are able to conceive so we would rather not give out an award to those who can.  All of this may sound trivial but it is far from that.  Ours is a world with serious dysfunction in our families.  Even our old friends "The Brady Bunch" might seem out of place.  More than a few families are on their second or third round of being blended.  Life is not easy on the minister who wishes to commemorate this special day.


I learned many years ago that others struggle for other reasons on this day.  You begin with the woman who wonders why she cannot conceive so she avoids the day totally.  Then you have far too many with less than pleasant experiences with their maternal figure.  And yes, the same can be said about the paternal aspect as well.  You get older to realize this day can be bittersweet for many very good people.  They still mourn the loss of a mother.  Perhaps other women grieve for the loss of children.  You can begin to see how this can be a minefield of emotions for people even on a day of celebration.  Knowing how not to recognize the day can be as important as what you do to enjoy it.  You earnestly do want the best for those who gather but you also take into account the abundance of emotions involved.


Let me congratulate those who can make this day special for others.  It very well may be that my sensitivity seems too much.  Those who have a great reason to be happy should do just that.  Just be aware of others who may not have that same elation.  Keep those people in your minds and hearts as you go about the day.  More than a few will find themselves at a cemetery somewhere as the day moves along.  Some may wonder about the conflicted feelings that surge through their being.  Pray much for God to be the ultimate comforter in those who do hurt.  Do not think less of them for being less than joyful.  We all may have differing experience in this day but God will also be with each of us in grace.  Be happy should that be your reality.  Be honest if your heart seems bittersweet.  Just always be sure God will walk with you regardless of where you are this day.


Bro. Trey