Answers

Q:

My mother and I have had kind of a rocky relationship over the years, but now that I'm a mother myself I'm beginning to see things differently. I know I ought to apologize to her and try to start over but somehow I can't. I guess I'm afraid she'll reject my apology or just laugh it off.


A:

I can’t think of a better time to start over with your mother than on Mother’s Day, can you?

Yes, Mother’s Day is a time to honor our mothers, and this is a noble thing to do. After all, not one of us would be here if it weren’t for our mothers and the sacrifices they made for us! One of the Ten Commandments tells us to “honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you” (Deuteronomy 5:16). This doesn’t apply to us only when we are children; it applies as long as God gives them life.

But for some, Mother’s Day can be a time for reconciliation—a time to overcome the hurts and sorrows of the past, and to try to start over again. No, it may not be easy, and some of those scars may take a long time to heal. But don’t let that keep you from trying! It’s far better to try to reach out and heal the break between you than to let it keep getting worse. The Bible says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).

Don’t let pride, or fear or anything else keep you from doing what is right. Instead, pray for your mother, and ask God to help you reach out to her. Even if you make only a small gesture this Mother’s Day, it could be the beginning of a new relationship. You’ll never regret trying.