Tribute to Moms: Meaning, Grace, and Joy
Today is my third and final post-Mother’s Day tribute. I want to highlight women in yet another season of life.
The inspiration for these posts came from the women who were seated at the same table as I at a Mother’s Day brunch held at my church.
Carole, sitting next to me, told me about her amazing mother, who died at the age of 104. As she described her mama, a woman who epitomized growing old with dignity, grace, and humor, I knew I wanted to tell her story.
Last Thursday, the focus was on two women at the table who are navigating an exhausting season. They juggle the responsibilities necessary to tend a young family, create a loving home, and oftentimes, work in the marketplace. These women, I suggested, need grit, grace, and glee.
There was one other woman at our table. I didn’t have the opportunity to hear much of her story except to learn she worked alongside her husband as a missionary, pastoring a small church located in a rural farming community.
Trim and attractive, I assumed this woman was traveling through life’s middle season.
During this time, kids exiting the nest can lead to a sense of relational emptiness. Bothersome hormonal changes of peri-menopause and menopause leave many women exhausted physically and rattled emotionally. The reality of the aging process sets in.
A mission statement for a woman finding her way through this season may read something like:
During this season of life, I will seek out Meaning, Grace, and Joy.
Moms in the middle season often re-invent themselves, and in the process find new meaning. Because some of their responsibilities have lifted or at least shifted, women may feel inspired to explore forgotten dreams and aspirations. Personally, I returned to school during this season to fulfil a dream of college graduation. It wasn’t long after graduating when I was promoted from a paraprofessional to professional position. This decision, which my husband and then teenage daughter supported wholeheartedly, has opened many doors of opportunity.
Women who have been in the workplace sometimes realize the value of the experience and network equity they have accrued over the years. Elizabeth MacBride says of women over 50, “They’re getting stronger and more engaged in careers, often second careers they love. They are starting businesses. Some are taking greater risks, often to make a greater impact.” MacBride goes on to report that between 1997–2017, the number of women-owned businesses in the U.S. grew 114% compared to the overall national growth rate of 44% for all businesses.
A “calling,” perhaps buried or even forgotten by a woman of faith, sometimes re-emerges during this season. Although I do not know for sure, that may have been the case for the lovely lady seated across from me at the Mother’s Day event.
If I’ve described the season, you’re in, I’d like to say, “You go, Girl!” Step courageously into all you believe God has designed you to do. Cheer on your adult kids. If it happens, enjoy the reward of becoming a grandparent. Re-kindle friendships. Possibly, even romance with your hubby.
Find new meaning, always being full of grace (No matter the season, we all need lots and lots of grace!) and step into what sparks joy in your soul!
[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethmacbride/2019/06/24/women-entrepreneurs-get-better-with-age
