On the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Garden Bouquet picked for my mum. Welsh Poppies, Lavender, Thyme, Grape Hyacinth Seeds and other mixed flowers and Greenery.

Today I am making a meal for my brothers belated birthday…we’ve been gardening a little too, whilst the weather is nice and breezy ( not too hot) .

Today at home we celebrate Immaculate Heart of Mary - and today I have been reflecting on my role as a mother and a daughter. How do I bring love and kindness to my husband, my children, my family members through kindness, humility, charity and love. How to I give to them and enrich their life.

This world we live in sells the idea of self seeking happiness, ‘This will make you happy, that will make you happy, and it does for a while, but it does not last forever and before long we are trying to find the next thing to fill the spot.

LOVE on the other hand, and not just the romantic love, but the love we feel from one human being to the next when given can flood the heart and soul with gratitude and peace.

Sometimes we need to look after ourselves to replenish it. For me this is done in prayer and walks in nature for others it might look like meditation, a bubble bath, time to realise a craft project , a book or a simple cup of tea.

As I picked these beautiful flowers for my mum - I thought about our journey, how she has shown me love over the years, how she has emptied herself of love for the sake of others, when she had very little to give and I feel so thankful and blessed.

I know I am not perfect as a wife, as a mother, and still have so much I would like to do in my community in this community too. My prayers today ask for Mary’s Intercession, to guide, to give me strength, to have patience, to help draw my family into the love of God through all I do.

The first step. To give flowers which always make her smile.