I wake and move into this day slowly. It’s Mother’s Day, the one day of the year I determine to nurture my soul and treat myself with kindness. I move at my own pace, choosing the activities and the lunch to be pick up at a local restaurant. I meet the day with mixed emotions, and Sweet William is tender with my heart.

The Spirit draws me to Lamentations 3, a chapter that contains cherished verses, ones I turn to often, a place where the Lord encouraged me many times. The center of the chapter declares the compassionate and faithful Lord I serve, He who sustains me in all the seasons of life. He is stability in changing circumstances, the peace-speaker in my storm. He gives unspeakable joy and showers me with blessings daily. His Presence is faithfully with me and in me.

There is trouble in this world and in my circle of living. When I focus on it, the losses, pain, suffering and sadness, my soul is downcast indeed. If I stay there long, I spiral downward, anxiety consuming my heart and mind. But that is no way to enjoy the abundant life.

I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall.
I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.

Yet this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.

I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my inheritance; therefore,
I will wait in hopeful expectation for Him.“

“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him;
it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”
Lamentations 3:19-26

Ah, these verses remind me to look at the goodness of the Living God in my life. His love surrounds me every day, all day. His compassion is His glory revealed to Moses in His covenant Name, Yahweh. His lovingkindness took on flesh and walked among us, showing us the love of the Father.

Calling to mind the faithfulness of my Father turns my attention toward Him who fills the hungry with good things and satisfies my longing soul. I need that reminder today and every day.

Hope is not a pie-in-the-sky wishing on a star but an expectation that God will do what is best and provide what I need. He has done that in so many ways through my life. So. Many. Ways.

Hoping and waiting, in quiet expectation for His salvation, that is what I do today. And therefore, my soul is at rest and finds peace.

The years of spending Mother’s Day with only Sweet William changed my perspective. I have less angst as I choose the course of this day. Twelve years ago it was different, experienced with our table full of family, food, stories, laughter, and the joyful presence of those I love most. Death and distance made it different. Different is hard, until it doesn’t feel so different anymore. Until it becomes the new normal, and I adjust yet again.

During those twelve years of adjusting, the Lord has filled me full to overflowing with dear ones who send their love by text this morning. They span all ages, and some say I am the “mom” close by. I treasure those relationships, giving God thanks for such gifts. This is His good work. Sweet William and I are blessed by those who want to spend some of their valuable time with us. With us? And how has that happened except by grace poured out. My cup runneth over.

I will look forward to a conversation with my beloved son this afternoon. Mothering him is the great joy of my life. I would not haved missed being his mom for the world.

I think of the women who mothered me, the ones who nurtured and cared, who asked hard questions and encouraged me to be strong, the ones who believed in me when I didn’t believe I had what it takes. I stand because they held me up and cheered me on.

I will count my blessings today, for they are many. I will remember the goodness of my heavenly Father. I will hope expectantly for God to do what He does best. Be the Captain of the Lord’s hosts. Be the Redeemer. Be Mighty God. Be the Good Shepherd and the Running Father. Be Salvation, Peace and Provider. Be my Strong Tower of Defense.

He is all and in all, and all things hold together because of Him. He is holding me together. I will wait for Him. I will rejoice and be glad for He has been faithful to me.