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Dear friends,
As spring unfolds around us, I find myself thinking about growth—not just in gardens or blossoming trees, but in hearts, homes, and relationships. After our recent gathering, the warmth between generations lingered with me. It was a reminder that we are not alone in our becoming. We are nourished by those who came before, and we offer nourishment to those growing beside and after us.
This kind of growth—gentle, patient, and sometimes hidden—has me thinking about mothering. Especially in this season, as we mark Mother’s Day and honour those who have nurtured us in countless ways. Whether we mother children, ideas, ministries, or communities, the work of mothering is holy ground.
Motherhood
Mundane. Messy. Miraculous.
Overwhelming.
Terrifying.
Holy. Healing. Humbling. Hard.
Energizing. Exhausting. Encompassing.
Real. Raw. Revealing.
Homey.
Orienting.
Opening.
Delightful. Deepening. Divine.
I’ve been thinking of God, too, as Mother—nurturing, patient, sheltering, strong. Christ as our foundation. Christ as water. Christ as light. Like seeds rooted in fertile soil, we grow not by striving alone, but by receiving.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” (John 15:5)
We are not responsible for the whole harvest—but we are invited to abide. To be rooted. To receive the nourishment of grace. To bear fruit—not by force, but through connection.
Today, I pray that we will recognize and receive the abundance already around us.
In small kindnesses. In tasty meals.
In deep conversations. In the laughter of your kiddo.
In quiet acts of service. In God’s overflowing grace.
Together we grow,
Abby & the CBWOQ team