First, let us give thanks for the unique combination of gifts and talents found in all mothers. Let us give thanks for the sacrifice of self each mother gives for her children. For the late nights spent rocking a colicky infant. For the hands calloused from washing, wiping, scrubbing, mixing, baking, and mending. For the arms that welcome, hug, and hold when needed.

Let us give thanks for the gift of time mothers give to their children, whether it’s stay-at-home mums, working mums, or mums who have some combination of the two. Let us give thanks for the flexibility of mums, for their tirelessness, their perseverance, and their devotion.

Let us think of ways to give each mother that we know strength. To help her to see in every mundane task the eternal, cosmic significance that arises out of the actions she takes. Let us help her to understand that the most radical, world-changing events may be happening anonymously in her home. Let us help mothers to forgive those who undermine her significance.

We remember single mothers today who must lean on others for support. We also remember those mothers who never had the privilege of bearing children, but whose nurturing extends to many.

May all mothers find the courage they need to face the uncertain future that life with children always brings. May they find the strength to live and to be loved in return, not perfectly, but humanly.

May they enjoy the faithful support of partner, family and friends as they care for the physical and spiritual growth of their children. May they experience joy and delight in their children to sustain them through the trials of motherhood. Most of all, give them the wisdom to ask for help when they need it most.

To the Mums who are struggling, to those filled with joy.

To the Mums who are remembering children who have died, and pregnancies that miscarried.

To the Mums who decided other parents were the best choice for their babies, to the Mums who adopted those kids and loved them fiercely.

To those experiencing frustration or desperation in infertility.

To those who knew they never wanted children, and the ways they have contributed to our shared world.

To those who mothered colleagues, mentored neighbourhood kids, and anyone who needed it.

To those remembering Mums no longer with us.

To those moving forward from Mums who did not show love, or hurt those they should have cared for.

Today is a day to honour the unyielding love and care for others we call 'Motherhood,' wherever we have found it and in whatever ways we have found to cultivate it within ourselves.

Amen

- Marion Hines (2020)