Mother’s Day typically surfaces a longing to return to the child in me—the one that seeks protection, comfort, encouragement, hugs that last forever, muchos besitos, and the one that dreams of a future filled with playful adventures. I’m still that little girl. You would think that after a lifetime of challenges that child-like wonder might have been tarnished by reality—but it hasn’t.
Roles have changed now that my Mima is in Heaven. It’s no longer about me, but instead all about my family. I smile as I remember my son as a child. He would make a huge fuss over me on Mother’s Day. It was fun to expect the unexpected. Now an adult, I’m proud to see him teach his children to do the same for their Mama.
We attach so many expectations to the role of Mom—many unrealistic. But, instead of focusing on that role, let’s think back on all those that played some part in our development—all those who fulfilled any portion of our heart’s desire for a Mom.
Mother’s Day is now so much more for me as I remember all who have impacted my life along the way. We could call them spiritual mentors, heavenly messengers or simply strangers who have deposited life lessons.
So today, I honor them and recognize their contribution to who I am today:
- Joyce Meyer, who taught me my first lessons in the Word through her recordings. Without a home church at the time or even an understanding of why that would be important, I adopted her as my spiritual mentor as I sought to understand Jesus’ role in my life.
- Joann, taught me to be persistent in loving those who have chosen to isolate. She loved me through a dark season.
- Via De Cristo Community, created the safe space where I could explore my giftings; inspired me to be about the Father’s business through action; taught me to be a servant leader.
- Steve, who obediently spoke God’s Word to me—Isaiah 40:31—my life verse. His gift of white roses was a vivid reminder: “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool [Isaiah 1:18].”
- James, who taught me to come up higher, to seek the Holy Spirit’s counsel in all areas of my life.
- Paul, who taught me to believe in love again, who continues to encourage and support my many adventures.
- Keith, who saw the Life Coach in me, providing a new chapter to my life story.
- Sylvester, who taught me to “…count it all joy when you fall into various trials [James 1:2].”
- Helen, who taught me to pray-through until I received the answers.
- Ria, a beautiful soul, who has given me eyes to see my own God-given beauty.
- Jeanne, who catapulted me into a public leadership role I could never have imagined.
- Deb, who believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself.
- Scott, who trusted me as a Spiritual Mentor/Mom; who challenged me to look to the Word to provide him with the answers he needed.
- Mavian, who adopted me as her Spiritual Mom, offering a daughter’s love, encouraging me to speak and write, promoting me to a place I had not anticipated.
- Pat, an unexpected gift from God, who continues to faithfully encourage me to share God’s message.
- Bea, whose generosity has taught me to receive.
- Carol, who opened doors for me I could never have imagined; who models living in the Grace place even as we walk through trials.
- Suzy, a delightful character, whose creativity has unlocked a future I had not seen before.
- So many more to mention…
More than any I’ve mentioned, after Jesus, my son Alex has been the biggest influencer in my life. He has taught me how to love unconditionally—to laugh, play, and be silly with abandon. His relentless pursuit of what matters has fueled my own passion for significance on days when I wanted to give up. A man of integrity, loyal to a fault, always striving for excellence—he gives wings to my dreams. It’s because of him that I call myself Mima.
And now you: I invite you to go on your own treasure hunt—reflect back on your life story—find those who have influenced your journey and honor them this Mother’s Day.
I am filled; overflowing with gratitude and love for those that have gone before and for you, the reader of my thoughts. Allow God to bless your Mother’s Day, and remember, this day is so much more.
“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” —Hebrews 13:2 NKJV
Maggie Sabatier-Smith
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