I’m still a complete rookie at this motherhood thing. For many years I doubted I would ever be a mum, so at this time of year, my heart turns to those who are not celebrating Mother’s Day.
There are those who long to become parents, but that dream remains unfulfilled—Megan Pattinson (p.8) suffered two miscarriages and knows just how that feels.
In preparing for this edition, I also read stories of people who are grieving the loss of their mother, and they dread the days leading up to Mother’s Day—the cards, the flowers and the constant reminders of what they have lost.
Still others grieve because they do not have the relationship with their mother they long for. Some have never known the motherly love and warmth that every child deserves. We grieve with every child who grieves.
Of course, it’s right that we should celebrate mothers. At their best they are our collaborators, companions and confidantes. They guide us into adulthood through love, lunches and late nights. They work exceptionally hard for us.
But for all those who are grieving this Mother’s Day, I can find no better words of comfort than the promises of Psalm 27: My heart says of you, ‘Seek his face!’ Your face, Lord, I will seek … Though my mother and father forsake me, the Lord will receive me … I remain confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Ingrid Barratt
Editor