A Mother’s Day Tradition
Five years ago, I started a cherished Mother’s Day tradition. It began when my second son, Crew, was four months old. Inspired by a story of a mother who spent part of her day praying over her children and writing to God, I decided to do the same.
That first Mother’s Day tradition, I ventured to one of my favorite restaurants, The Sparrow Bakery in Bend, Oregon. I ordered a caramel latte and their famous breakfast sandwich, then sat outside in the cool morning with my prayer books, journal and headphones, immersing myself in Christian music. I wasn’t sure how it would go, but looking back, I see how profoundly it impacted me. I needed this time, and God was ready to meet me.
I prayed over my family and each one of my boys. I offered thanksgiving and gratitude, praised my heavenly Father for His steadfast goodness, and laid my concerns at His feet. I prayed for my children's futures, offering the profound love a mother can give. I also prayed over my own journey as a daughter of God, seeking wisdom for our family and reflecting on my strengths and weaknesses.
And through it all, I wept. I wept like Mary at Jesus’ feet, offering my tears in gratitude in honor of His goodness.
Over the years, this tradition has evolved, but its foundation remains the same. This year, after church service at Prairie Heights, I found myself at Thunder Coffee in West Fargo, North Dakota, sipping a black coffee of their Old Friend Espresso Blend. Sitting on their patio, now a mother of three boys (13 months, 5 years, and 9 years), I once again sat at the feet of Jesus and wept. Immersed in Christian music that felt divinely curated for me, I was met with His direction, love, mercy and strength.
As in years past, I prayed over my family, wrote love letters to my boys, sought God’s wisdom, and asked for forgiveness for the ways I’ve fallen short. Napkins drenched in tears.
I’m not sure where you are in your journey. You might be in the thick of newborn diapers or watching your teenagers leave home one by one. You may have transitioned to being the moon for your children where once you were the sun. I pray for you. I pray you will be encouraged and know how deeply God loves you. And if this practice resonates with you, I hope your season allows for space to embrace it. But always know He is with you, He sees you and holds your life in the palm of His hand.
Psalms 56: 8-11: You’ve kept track of all my wandering and my weeping. You’ve stored my many tears in your bottle-not one will be lost. For they are all recorded in your book of remembrance. The very moment I call to you for a father’s help the tide of battle turns and my enemies flee. This one thing I know: God is on my side! I trust in the Lord. And I praise Him. I trust in the Word of God. And I praise Him.
