The journey of motherhood is defined by sacrifice.  From the moment of conception, a woman’s body is used as vessel to bring life.  In the case of foster care or adoption, this moment begins when the child is conceived in a mother’s heart. 

Whether by biology or commitment, this conception begins a journey for every mother that will be marked by her sacrifice. 

She will sacrifice physically, giving over her sleep and her body to nurture and comfort her child.  She will sacrifice emotionally, worrying over every aspect of the child’s development. She will sacrifice materially, as she provides for the child’s every need at the expense of her own. And she will sacrifice spiritually, as she enters into a journey of pouring herself out in prayer for the destiny of her child.

But amidst the sacrifice is a poignant beauty.  Sacrifice almost always creates something beautiful.  An artist who toils over her canvas, a missionary who serves humbly, a teacher who bring patience and grace.  Among beautiful sacrifices, motherhood is one of God’s most gorgeous examples.

As Mother’s Day approaches, my thoughts are filled with the sacrifice of so many women in this community.  Often this sacrifice can feel unseen.  The daily toil and exhaustion, the-getting-up-to-do-it-all-again-one-more-time, the faith for what lies inside this child in spite of evidence to the contrary, the hope and promise of the future held so tightly it hurts. 

On this year’s Mother’s Day, I hope you know this one truth.  Your sacrifice is not invisible to the One who created you, the One who suffered the greatest sacrifice on your behalf. Your sacrifice is seen and honored and esteemed.  You are glorious in His eyes. He sees you.