My Mother and I Have Never Really Gotten Along

Q: My mother and I have never gotten along very well, and now we hardly ever call or see each other. But now she’s older and has some health issues, and I know she might not be with us too many more years. I guess I’d like to change our relationship, but how do I start? We always seem to end up arguing. — Mrs. V.McK.

A: Today people throughout our nation will be celebrating Mother’s Day — and I can’t think of a better time for you to try mending your relationship with your mother. Let the Bible’s words be your guide: “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone” (Hebrews 12:14).

It may not happen all at once; broken relationships (like broken bones) usually take time to heal. But now is the time to take that first step. Even if it’s difficult, or eventually turns out to be impossible, you need to make the effort, because you’re right — someday your mother will no longer be here, and then it’ll be too late. Don’t spend the rest of your life filled with guilt and regret, constantly wondering what might have happened if you’d only tried.

Reach out, therefore, to your mother, even if it’s only a phone call, telling her you love her and are thinking about her on this Mother’s Day . Don’t get into the “blame game,” arguing about the past or blaming her for whatever went wrong (even if she is mostly at fault). The Bible says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).

Most of all, commit this problem — and your whole life — to Jesus Christ. God can do what we can’t do, and He can bring healing and love even to the most difficult relationship.

========

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.