FOR THE UNSEEN

I {Mandy} wrote this today for all the moms who may not have had a picture-perfect Mother's Day. To be clear, this is not necessarily an accurate portrayal of my own Mother's Day. 

Maybe today is the day after Mother's Day. 

Maybe yesterday didn't go exactly as you'd hoped with flowers, a sweet card and breakfast in bed.

Maybe the gift you'd hoped for wasn't waiting expectantly for you--maybe there was no gift at all.

Maybe the hand-made, finger-painted sign never materialized.

Maybe there was hardly a mention of what a great mom you are or an exuberant "thank you" for all that you do.

Maybe it was business-as-usual with the many, thankless tasks you perform on any given day: laundry, meals, clean-up, etc. etc.

And maybe today, Monday, it's raining and dreary to match your mood. 

Maybe your son sprayed cereal all over the kitchen when he tried to open it himself and your toddler knocked over an entire cup of apple juice all over the counter, bar stool and floor.

Maybe you're still nursing the wounds of feeling unseen, unappreciated and unimportant.

Maybe you cannot possibly pick up one more toy or wash one more dish. 

Maybe today you need to just be still.

Maybe today is the day you turn off the computer, shut down the iPad, power off the iPhone.

Maybe today the laundry waits, lunch is cereal, and the dishes are put off a little longer. 

Maybe today is the day that you just sit and be.

Maybe you need to crawl into the lap of your Father and listen to Him tell you that you're valued and appreciated.

Maybe today is when you slow down and listen to His words of affirmation instead of seeking them from someone or somewhere else. 

Maybe today you realize that one Hallmark-driven holiday does not define your worth as a mom; does not encapsulate your value.

And maybe as you're sitting, feeling lost in emotion and disappointment, struggling with feeling so down and also with guilt for feeling so down when so much else in your life is right, your 6-year-old brings you a beautiful picture she drew and says,

"I'm sorry I didn't make you anything for Mother's Day. I really didn't have much time." 

And maybe you hold her and cry, feeling silly for letting one day define you.

For putting pressure on others to recognize you because the calendar says they should.

For neglecting to see all the things you DO have in favor of all the ones you "don't."

And maybe you take Psalm 46:10 (MSG) to heart:

"Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything."

And maybe you realize that what you do is seen. What you do is appreciated. What you do has value. Who you are has worth.

And maybe today you will determine that you will not let another moment go by where you take for granted the beautiful life, the amazing children, and loving husband you have.  

And maybe you will realize that what you're feeling is really about the struggle to recognize your worth in God and not in man. 

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:18 (NIV)

And maybe the clouds will part, the sun will come out, and you'll say a prayer of Thanksgiving for all that you have. 

Your job is hard, mama! You do so much that is never recognized, never seen with human eyes, never accounted for in earthly timing.

But God sees it all. And one day you will receive a crown.

And that crown will not be worn on your head, but thrown at His feet. 

So realize all that you do is not about getting praise here on earth, but to give Him the glory.

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