Mother’s Day can be complicated. In my own life, this day carries a variety of conflicted emotions. For five years in a row, Mother’s Day served as a reminder to me that my arms and womb were empty and the longing for children unfulfilled. This day brought grief, weeping, and cries of “How long, Oh Lord?” Even now that I have children, the scars from those old wounds throb and ache slightly when this day arrives. For me, this day is bittersweet. I rejoice in the goodness and kindness of God to bring me children, but I also remember and reflect on the difficult and painful years that he called me to walk through.

This day may be difficult for you. It may be a day that you dread all year. Perhaps you feel the ache of an empty womb. Maybe your heart cries out in longing for the child who sleeps in a bed an ocean away while you wait to bring him into your home and call him your son. Or it could be that your heart bleeds with the fresh wound of grief over the death of a child, and this day serves as a reminder that your child no longer draws breath.

No matter what circumstance you find yourself in this Mother’s Day, God sees you. He knows you. He has not forgotten you. He does not call you into seasons of hardship, longing, and waiting alone. Instead he walks with you in the midst of difficulty, comforts you in the valley of affliction, and pours out his mercy upon you.

To the woman who feels forgotten on Mother’s Day. God sees you. He knows you. The Lord walks with you and is not far from you. He never forgets his children, but faithfully walks with us to the very end.

To the woman who feels grief on Mother’s Day. Jesus is the man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. He grieves with you and extends mercy to you in the midst of your sorrow.

To the woman who feels tired of waiting on Mother’s Day. Your waiting is not wasted. God is preparing and unfolding his plan for you, and he desires to sanctify your heart through the waiting.

To the woman who mourns on Mother’s Day. God sees your tears as they fall, and he is for you.

To the woman who feels overwhelmed on Mother’s Day. God offers you the greatness of his strength.

To the woman who feels like a failure on Mother’s Day. God offers grace to restore you and mercy to redeem you.

To the woman who feels unloved by her children on Mother’s Day. God loves you unconditionally, fully, and forever as his child.

You are not alone.