"And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, His mother, 'Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed -- and a sword will pierce even your own soul--to the end that the thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."
There was no, "Congratulations, Mary! You are the mother of God! Your troubles are over, and there will only be good things from here on out!" Nope. God had a better plan.
Motherhood is the hardest job I have ever held. In fact, I've learned that if it doesn't hurt, I'm not doing it right. Motherhood demands sacrifice. Many don't realize this truth up front. For some, it takes a few years to catch on. They learn, "I'd better sacrifice now, by requiring obedience from children, or I'll sacrifice later, in a more negative way, when they are teens."
When you are a mom, sacrifice is demonstrated in many ways. In the early years, it might be the pain of giving up a career, or the emotional overload of dealing with temper tantrums. Later in the elementary and middle school years, we suffer with our children as they begin to explore friendships and face rejection. In high school we counsel our children in academics, relationships, and career choices all while juggling their fierce need for independence. Each phase brings more and more separation, and it's healthy. Yet, our "mother hearts," hurt. Our job is to nurture...to be connected to our young people, and yet it is also our job to let them go - to encourage them to fly away into the future that God has for them.
Right now, I have two young adult children who are in the midst of launching themselves into the world. On one hand, I can't wait for them to fly! But that last little heart string is stretched taut and my heart is so very sore. I want to nurture, to protect and keep them safe forever. Yet, that is not God's plan. It wasn't God's plan for His Son. Why would I think I have a better plan for my own? These young ones of mine are first, God's children.
As I gaze back into the distant past, I think that it was easier, somehow, to trust Jesus with my little babies - when the biggest problem was whether to sterilize a pacifier before popping it back into their mouths. It certainly seemed easier to trust Him when my worries were more about crayons and sleepovers. But the reality is that the passage of time glazes over the trials of the past. Choosing joy during difficulty - no matter what that difficulty is - can be tough. We must sacrifice our own desires and instead agree with God's plan. And it hurts. It hurts a lot!
Yesterday, my beloved son was dealt some hard news. His heart was broken, and as his hurts were bared, my heart broke too. Like Mary, my soul was pierced for my child. In that moment, I took Suffering by the hand and embraced him. God has something new for my son to learn. He will wield suffering in a masterful way and bring goodness from it.
Jesus suffered on the cross, but He was never alone. As a mother, my heart has fellowship with Mary. I know Jesus was being loved by the strong arms of His mama's heart, even as He cried out, "Eloi, Eoi, lama sabachthani?" (Mark 15:34) It grieves me to think of her suffering in that moment, just as much as it grieves me to think of the suffering of Christ. As much as her heartstrings were being broken, there was still spiritual connection. Jesus knew His mother was with Him in those last moments. Before He gave up His spirit, his last loving act, was to make sure His mother had a home. "Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" John 19:27
The agony in this story is unbearable. Yet, the blood of Jesus ransomed the sin of the world. We were set free by His sacrifice!
So moms, we lay down our hearts. We embrace sacrifice and suffering. We choose joy. We look to Jesus as our eternal Hope. We give thanks.
Grateful for His grace,
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