Mother’s Day Visuals (05/11/2026)

Yesterday, as I sat on my porch with my coffee and the LORD, a dove distracted me constantly as she made several trips into my line of sight collecting the materials to make her nest in the lowest branch of the closest tree. I found it a fitting visual for my Mother’s Day beginning. She was creating a first home for her brood.

Then a few hours later, I went to Mass and was amazed at the number of people who were visiting in the company of their mothers. I admit to watching with a bit of envy, wishing my kiddos and grandkids were in my pew, too. And I got distracted a time or two by the little ones and their tugs on their parents’ hands or jackets wanting attention or to be picked up. I remember those days when I was a parent of three small children. I am so thrilled for them and the lives they have made for themselves and their families, but I must admit, I’d give away a winning lottery ticket for one more of those tugs.

I had to make a run to the grocery store later and was overwhelmed by the traffic on our small city streets. I figured everyone must be out to see Mom. The store itself was the busiest I’ve seen it in ages, especially around the floral department where there wasn’t a single bouquet left. I felt bad for the bad planners with good intentions. The poor checkout woman, a mother herself, was marvelous though in spite of the rush. I thanked her and wished her “Happy Mother’s Day.” She returned the greeting with a smile.

As I sat on my porch, bringing my day to my LORD, I thanked Him for not only the day but the reminder that it’s all about relationships. I thanked Him for the gifts of my three children and their families. I thanked Him for my own mother and asked that He care for her and strengthen her. Lastly, I asked the LORD to help me bring the visuals of the day with me as reminders of His command to love.

May this week be a blessed week for us all. May we use each day to love those we call family and friends. May we seek to treat others we encounter with the dignity and respect we desire for ourselves and the loving kindness we hope others extend to us. And over it all, may we carry with us the understanding that it is only because of His love that we are at all and with gratitude share that which brought us into being.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.