An Unparalleled Ascent to an Amazing Mother’s Day

Okay, so whose idea was it to schedule Mother’s Day in May, when calendars are packed and tensions run high?!  How can our families possibly meet our expectations when they’re running off to soccer games and/or coming down off their spring concert highs?

It’s not fair. I say we switch dates with dear old Dad, who gets a nice chill time slot in the month of June and probably doesn’t even care, to boot.

Well.

To the end of having the BEST day possible, I’ve come up with a checklist for you, dearest momma.  I get that you might be feeling very harried and are investing all your hopes in a glorious Mother’s Day.  If only our families get it right! The perfect distillation of bright bouquets,  delicious gourmet and 12 hours (at least) of pampering!

(Spoiler Alert: That’s a lot of pressure for a single day.)

As a mom-of-many for over 20 years, I know from experience to keep my Mother’s Day hopes in check. I know to be very careful to not compare what my husband does—or doesn’t do—to that perfectly perfect husband online, and I hope (please, Jesus) to hold my tongue when I’m not exactly pleased.

In short, on a day that’s meant to be all about me, I have to try to not make it all about me.

via GIPHY

Bam! That’s the path to happiness.

Are you ready to see my 5-item list? Here we go:

1. Be very very mindful of the kind of Mother’s Day you want to have. For example, my love language is words of affirmation, so I am huge advocate for my card-receiving rights in the days leading up to special occasions. Kind of a coincidence, don’t you think, that this was my “Word of the Year” for 2018.

In short, you shouldn’t feel guilty or weird about making your desires known, provided you’re not demanding a limo to the spa or some such.

2. Choose joy.

Don’t be passive aggressive, Moms;  you have to lead your heart on the path to happiness. You can choose what to do. Pass your cell phone to a stranger in the supermarket, (provided they’re not some creepy creeper) and have them take a picture of you & your kids in front of the floral display. Goof around on Snapchap with your daughters. Post a Mother Day’s group shot on your Instagram account.

 

Get outside! Go for a walk. Have fun.

 

3. Seek out the other moms that you encounter, be it at church or the store or in your neighborhood. Honor them with a hug, a how-are-you, a mini-loaf of homemade banana bread. 

When it comes to having a topnotch Mother’s Day, I suggest making it less about you and more about them. Take time to honor other mothers and inevitably you’ll feel good because it’s in our nature to serve and it’s when we get all selfish that things go awry!  (Note: I really struggle with selfishness on both Mother’s Day and my birthday, but that’s another story for another day.)

Start a Banana Bread Apostolate! Here’s a foolproof recipe that I make all the time.

(Cute little delivery person not included.)

4. If, like me, you’ve recently lost your own sweet momma, visit her gravesite if you can. If you can’t pay a visit for whatever reason,  (and I can’t because my mom is buried in North Dakota),  pour out your love and your longing to Mother Mary and she will assist you with all your needs.

 

5. Finally, please pretty please, steer clear of too much social media, especially late in the day when your reserves are low and maybe, just maybe, your expectations weren’t met.

Because there’s just no way your husband and kids can compete with the 100’s of families in your friends’ list.

 

I love you, dear Momma, and hope that you have the best weekend EVER! I will be offering my holy hour on Sunday for you, and should you find yourself in need of encouragement or prayer, you can call or text me anytime @  612.804.7893.

(Although I may not pick up the first time. ; )