It is Mother’s Day and I hope mom’s out there are celebrating the joys that triumphs of motherhood, even over life’s difficulties!

I love being in church on Mother’s Day greeting the many mommas I know to wish them a wonderful day. And of course I love to visit with my kids when they call and txt to wish me a special day.

I have had the blessing of having my own dear momma in my home for five Mother’s Days now. A day to find little ways to spoil her like with the huge bouquet of daisies that my sister and I got for her. And making her a favorite meal, this year it’s bar-b-que baby back ribs. Little things to thank her for loving me through life.

I am blessed to have a mom…many don’t. Could be from death or even that some have deserted their family physically or emotionally, for whatever reason. This makes life and especially this day difficult.

Then some of us have prodigals. Those who have walked away from the fold. Distanced themselves from family because of their lifestyle choices or just walked from the family of faith they once knew. That, right there, can make Mother’s Day just a bit uncomfortable and more difficult to feel celebratory.

I am so thankful to have three great adult kids all with families of their own.

But a momma’s heart always aches for her lost ones, the ones away from the fold.

What a comfort it is to know that our Father is even more concerned for those who have walked away than we could ever be. Click To Tweet The following story is from Luke 15 and it is just a few verses but the expression of love that Father God has for us is overwhelming…

:3 “So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

Isn’t this just a verse that gives us hope? It sure is for this momma who loves her kids but hates to see them living apart from the Lord! Not to mention the grief and tears that they cause those in their midst.

Lord, you know the hearts of those far from You. You know the pain that is causing them to flee. Oh Lord, if they only knew that you are the cure for their brokenness and guilt. I pray that you would melt their prideful hearts and help them see how desperately they need You. I am going to count on Your Word that tells me you have gone looking for Your lost sheep and that there will be great rejoicing when You are able to bring them home.

And Lord, I know that you do what Your Word says! That’s why I can thank you for rescuing me when I was out there wandering. You lovingly brought me to that place where I realize that apart from You, I can do nothing (John 15:5).

Look heavenward momma, your Father hears your heart’s cry for your loved one(s) and He is and has been on it since they departed!

I think you will enjoy this song from Cory Asbury