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Across the Pastor’s Desk by Brian Mitchell

As Mother’s Day approaches, I’ve reflected on the journey of motherhood — a story of holding on, letting go and love that endures every season. This poem honors moments that seem ordinary but mean everything to a mother:

The wait is over. Nine months seemed like an eternity, but now I hold you in my arms. I will protect you. I will not let anything happen to you. You are my perfect angel.

How could something so small cause so much pain? Never mind; the pain is over now. Look how precious you are. I will love you forever; nothing will ever change that.

The wait is over. Six years seemed like an eternity. Now I must let you learn. I know you don’t understand right now. This place might seem scary, but soon you will have many friends and be so smart. How could something so necessary cause so much pain?

Never mind, the pain is over now. Look how precious you are in your school clothes. I will love you forever; nothing will ever change that.

The wait is over. Ten years have flown by. Though I longed for this day, I dreaded it as well — watching you drive away to meet your friends. How could so much joy on your face bring me so much pain? Never mind, the pain is over now. Look how grown-up you have become. I will love you forever; nothing will ever change that.

The wait is over. Just a few years have passed, but they have seemed like an eternity. We have fought many times as you have tried to assert your independence, and I have wanted to hang on to my little one. Though we fought, we always made up. How could that little suitcase cause so much pain? Never mind; the pain is over now. Look how smart you are in that cap and gown. I will love you forever; nothing will ever change that.

The wait is over; I thought it would take longer. Are you sure he is the one? How can I let you go? Yes, I’m happy for you! I wanted this for you from the day we first met.

How can such a short walk on a special day cause so much pain? Never mind, the pain is over now. He has made you so happy. I will love you forever: nothing will ever change that.

The wait is over. Nine months seemed like an eternity, but now I hold you in my arms. I will protect you. I will not let anything happen to you. You are my perfect angel.

How could something so small cause so much pain? Never mind; the pain is over now. Look how precious you are. I will love you forever; nothing will ever change that.
Isaiah 66:13, NIV says: “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.”

This Mother’s Day, thank God for the mothers who shaped us and the perfect love of the One who calls us his own.

Brian Mitchell is a pastor at New Life Christian Church in Albert Lea.