It’s Friday, and I’m linking up with Lisa-Jo Baker and a group of brave writers. Today the word prompt is grateful.

I’ve been sick for a week and today is the first day that I’m finally back on my feet. It was actually nice to catch up on the housework and do some laundry. I know… those are shocking words coming from me.

The last productive chore I did this evening was picking up toys in the playroom. When I began the job I felt a little angry, unappreciated, and tired of cleaning up the same toys over and over. Toys everywhere all the time is more than a little overwhelming.

And then I remembered how I prayed for more toys to clean up. How I wanted nothing more than the pitter-patter of little feet, crayon marks on walls, and handprints on my stainless steel refrigerator. And then I felt ashamed, because I know there are so many other women who are craving toys on the floor right now. But there are none.

So, when it comes down to it, I’m grateful. I’m grateful for the messes to clean, grateful to play referee between screaming children, grateful for the cherry juice stain on the family room carpet, and grateful for this kind of exhaustion.

To crawl in bed at night hearing nothing but the sweet sound of silence is bliss. And to wake up to small smiles that doctors said would never exist is amazing. You see, after 15 years of secondary infertility, 5 miscarriages, and burying a daughter when her umbilical cord cut off her oxygen supply at 34 weeks gestation, I can say I’m grateful for miracles that run, scream, cry, and drive me absolutely insane.

I’m celebrating Mother’s Day with 3 children because I have a Father in heaven who gave me a miracle that changed my life forever.

He can change yours too! If you are struggling though grief from miscarriage, stillbirth, and infertility, there is hope in Jesus. There is life in His purpose for you. There is freedom in the acceptance of His will, though His way, in His time.

Maybe you’re still searching for your miracle, but I have no doubt you are mother to someone. So do me a favor. Celebrate on Sunday! Celebrate that God gave you a mother’s heart and has a wonderful plan for your life. Celebrate His faithfulness in your situation, even if it seems hopeless… I want you to celebrate.

Yes, you with the longing in your heart and the tears in your eyes. You need to celebrate and live grateful for the wonderful which is yet to come. Whatever it is, God has a plan for you!

Happy Mother’s Day to every woman who ever mothered another soul. That’s you! Now go Celebrate!

Love,

Jennifer

My book, Nothing to Hold but Hope, about my 15 year struggle through stillbirth, miscarriage, and infertility is coming out soon. I’ll keep you updated!