I’m not confused. I know it’s not yet May. I’m not trying to get extra gifts or attention. But I believe today is Mother’s Day, because since I became a mom, I have tried to count every day as Mother’s Day. Every day I get to be a mom is a blessing. It’s not always easy. There are some days I’ve wanted to snuggle into motherhood and others I’ve wanted to run far, far away. Yet I’ve tried to savor the variety of experiences.

And it’s not just the experiences I’ve had and continue to have with my two grown daughters that I savor. I have several young women I’ve “adopted” who I truly love. I have a blast investing in their lives. In most cases, our lives collided because of mayhem in their lives, leading them to reach out for help. While I supported them through a season and continue to support them, I feel like I’m the one who receives the most blessings. I get an opportunity to invest in someone’s life, meet her where she is and walk through a season together. I gain a friend in the process.

And then there’s my own mom. You’ve probably gotten to know her through some of my blog posts. She’s taught me a lot and is an important person in my life. I respect and love my mom, and I’m thankful for the 43 years we’ve had together (some better than others, of course!).

I don’t want to appreciate these people just one day a year, and that’s probably why I’ve had a bit of an aversion to Mother’s Day, not wanting to make too much of a big deal about it. There have been a couple times I asked for something specific, such as spending the day biking a favorite trail, but in most cases, I simply wanted to enjoy motherhood.

While I was on a plane recently, I remembered a specific Mother’s Day when I was flying home. I was on the West Coast until Saturday evening, and I didn’t want to miss Mother’s Day at church with my girls (who wants to be the missing-in-action mom on Mother’s Day?!), so I took a red-eye. During a brief layover in Chicago, I changed clothes and slapped on a bit of makeup, so when I landed in my home airport, I could drive straight to church. I was a bit tired, but it was definitely worth it.

I got to the church only a few moments before the service began, and my girls were eagerly waiting for me. Some men in the church had organized a special treat for women that morning: a chocolate fountain with all kinds of scrumptious goodies to use for dipping. My girls didn’t want me to miss out. They had created a personalized plate of goodies for me…and I enjoyed every bite!

I made every effort I could to get home that morning, and my girls anticipated our family being together. As I flew home recently and recalled that day, I wondered how intentional I am about anticipating the opportunities I have to be together with my girls, my mom, and the many amazing women in my life.

It’s not just about Mother’s Day. It’s about fully living your day TODAY.

What would spur you to jump on a red-eye to get to someone?

Who would you fix a plate of chocolate for because you don’t want her to miss out?

Who do you need to connect with today? To sit and listen to? To invest in? To giggle with?

Don’t wait until tomorrow. Today is the day.

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today”… (Hebrews 3:13, NIV)