surviving or thriving on a socially distant mother’s day

A socially distant Mother’s Day?

While on a recent video meeting, I found myself reminiscing with one of my sons about the Mother’s Day gardens we sowed, games we played, and the stories we shared. I referred to him and his three brothers as my baby boys or my favorite garden buddies. These are a few memories that remind me of the days I was needed and so loved. Each one vivid and beautiful in its own way, but now they come and go like springtime ghosts. These scenes bring smiles and sometimes, a few tears, especially now as I think about social distancing from my family. I ask myself if they’re surviving or thriving as our first socially distant Mother’s Day approaches.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Ready to hug and touch

After two-and-a-half months of distancing from family, colleagues, and friends, I’m ready to run outside to hug neighbors, dogs, cats, and especially my grandkids. Although I’m thankful for tulips, amazing sunsets, and cool evening breezes that beckon my husband and me out to the back porch, I’d like to plan a few visits with friends and family. STAT. So, I asked my son and his wife if dad and I could stop by for a backyard get-together. “We promise not to get too close,” I said.

They laughed, and then my son abruptly changed the subject. He said something like, “Hey, did you guys see so and so on that show last night?”

I rolled my eyes and fought the urge to argue. Really? Aren’t they over this new normal mumbo jumbo yet? I resisted further toxic thoughts, however, a few questions piqued my brain. If we say we’re in this pandemic crisis together, but thousands of people are left alone to face unemployment hardships and illness every day—why do we sweat the small stuff like visiting family in our backyards? I’ll wear multiple layered masks and gloves if need be. After all, whether we shop for groceries in a store or online or order take out or delivery—we aren’t 100% immune to any virus that comes down the pike in the future.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Surviving or thriving?

While some people prefer a solitary life, I wonder if usually active families will now decide to hide behind four walls indefinitely? Maybe it all comes down to the basic human instinct of survival. What if we look inward and ask ourselves: Are we surviving, or thriving, on this socially distant Mother’s Day?

Lord help me share your love and rest in your care.

Me

Sure, I’m a thriving survivor—nevertheless, when it comes down to the safety and health of my children or grandchildren, nothing else matters. I’d often push back with a logical argument, but the cute growly frown on my husband’s face reminds me, this fight is futile. We wave good-bye to our grandbabies, blow kisses and bubbles to the computer screen, and count our blessings. Our son and daughter-in-law are healthy. They’re protecting their children—like we always protected ours. God is good. He proves his faithfulness in joyous times and tragic storms. He shows us the way to love isn’t always how we believe it to be. And in many ways, in these new normal days, he brings us closer to our socially distant family.

• 

• 

The way

God’s word is perfect. I only hope to accept His will no matter what comes my way. While I’m thankful for each day, it’s hard to put my agenda aside to walk a road I didn’t choose. All I can say is thank God for Jesus. He showed me the way.

Whether we cower in the darkest closets to hide from a world filled with sickness and human monsters, wince in pain when we touch old scars, or wade through murky waters to find our way home—God is in the dark with us. If we raise our glasses on celebratory days, sip champagne, or stroll arm in arm with loved ones—He is there celebrating too. All we have to do is look for him…and believe. Because. He. Is. More.

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

Romans 11:36 ESV

He is more

Many have felt the sting of helplessness during this Coronavirus Pandemic. We couldn’t hold a dying parent or child’s hand. Everything was out of our control. In these trying times when the world says we’re weak, inadequate, or not enough, God is able to be more than we can ever ask or imagine.

…that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3:16-21

Now more than ever, I pray we learn from this exquisite world God made for us. Perhaps the solitary moments and singing of the birds might help us hear his voice whispering on the wind. May his Holy Spirit turn our hearts toward gratitude and joy at his presence in our lives.

But ask the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. 12:10 In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being. 

Job 12:7-8,10

Dear friends,

Will you be surviving or thriving on a socially distant Mother’s Day? Whether we’re apart from our kids, mother, father, grandchildren or friends ~ Let’s savor these quiet moments without fear. May we reflect on the last few months when our families were separated with gratitude and come away from this season with wisdom, knowledge, and peace that supasses all understanding. Here’s one of my favorite stories about my beautiful mom: Happy Mother’s Day! Let’s continue to focus on what matters most. Life is a precious gift. We are deeply loved. Thanks for keeping Dennis and I in your thoughts as he recovers from the dumb heart attack that rocked us back in January. Last week, his doctor released him to resume ALL normal activities! Yippie!!! You know I praise God he’s doing great.

Have you felt weary and alone while practicing social distancing from family and friends? Will you venture out to celebrate with others, or will this be a socially distant Mother’s Day for you?

I’d love to hear from you. Let me know where you find peace in trying times. Don’t forget to join the conversation in the Inspire A Fire comments section below this post. Stop by http://joannclaypoole.com, my quirky Dreamdove’s Flights of Fancy blog https://joannclaypoole.wordpress.com, or FB, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest for more stories,quotes, and the every day family la, la, la.

Wishing you blessings, health, and peace for the journey.

Joann

Special Thanks: All images free from Pixabay ~ Feature image: Pink daisy/love by Hermann & F. Richter. TL Tulips image by Mammiya, TC Child w Pansy bucket image by congerdesign. TR image little blond boy image by 192635, Bottom lg springtime image by Larisa-Koshkina. Gallery #2 TL little girl w puppy image by Pexels, TC lake sunset image by TomMarc, TR grill image by silverstrike24, Bottom lg Friends/family image by ColdwellPro. Gallery #3 TL Mask/gloves image by Alexas_Fotos, TC boy/mom, bubbles image by marvelmozhko, Bottom lg Phone SD kiss image by Gerd Altmann, *End of post lg dark background Tulip image by Pezibear