As I prepare for another Mother’s Day, I drink in that several friends are just starting their “Mommy” journey. My desire is to impart great words of wisdom and truth to them. I reflect on the privilege of being called “Mom.” I am, also, acutely aware how fleeting time passes. The time for influencing the next generation is lost between juggling work, school, and daily living. Work, study, and tasks, such as homework, eating, laundry and cleaning, unfortunately take precedent over being. Just resting in the presence of the gift of the day and making time to enjoy each other is shoved down the list of priorities. The opportunity to abide in the laughter of my son – gone. The cuddles of my child reading before bedtime – gone. The joy of my daughter’s face as she “danced” (and I use the term poetically because it was not like anything seen upon the stages of Broadway) – gone. The celebration of a completed 1000 piece puzzle – gone. What would I like to tell the young mother’s of the world? Let it go! Let go of the perfectionism of a house in meticulous order. Let go of clothes that have the right labels. If downsizing gives you (and your husband) more time to enjoy the family – do it. The larger house means more work and more ability for everyone to spread out. Let go of some of the extra-curricular activities when they are so young and find more time to “practice” as a family. Let go of the cable and the 100 channels. Read books out loud together. Create the scenes and play them together. Let go of expectations and discover the gifts and wonderment of your child. Each child, with whom God has blessed you, has a divine purpose and special talents designed for that purpose. Find their Love Language » early and shower them with affection. Invest time in them and their interests. Teach them how to express emotions, apologize and forgive. Give them the gift of someone who cares about them; the security of a parent who is available. 2 Cor. 5:19 instructs us in the “ministry of reconciliation.” EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy)” » works to restore and reconnect relationships. If you have lost a relationship with your child (or parent), it is not too late. The same method that is used for Couple Therapy » can be used to reconcile a relationship of value. Let go of bitterness and resentment. Give mom (or yourself) the gift of reconciliation this Mother’s Day!
Marriage and Family Therapy
