If you haven’t looked at your calendar recently, Mother’s Day is coming up-THIS Sunday to be exact. Read on for a few reasons to celebrate mom this week.

Though I’m certain your mom isn’t perfect (because, really, what mother-or person, for that matter-is?), my guess is, most of you reading this have at least a few reasons to celebrate your mom.

I realize that unfortunately, that’s not true for everyone. Some of you might not have ever met your mom. You might have been raised by your grandmother or by your father or by another person. Others of you might have known your mom…but wished you didn’t because of the abuse she heaped upon you.

This post isn’t meant to challenge you. It’s meant for those of us who did grow up with loving mothers (imperfect, yes, but loving still). *

Here are five reasons we should celebrate our moms this week.

5 Reasons to Celebrate Mom This Mother’s Day:

1. She gave you birth.

Moms, you know how painful childbirth is, so this alone should be reason enough to say thanks. And guys, you might not understand based on experience, but I’m sure you can imagine the pain involved.

So even though I’m certain your mom failed many times, she still went through a lot just to bring you into this world.

2. She endured sleepless nights, clogged milk ducts, and being vomited on (and peed on and pooped on, etc.). 

All because she loved you.

3. If she was anything like my mom, she sacrificed many of her own desires and dreams so you could run after yours.

She may have put a career on hold to raise you. She may have given up college or another dream. She most certainly gave up a lot of cash, sleep, and time.

4. She loves you, no matter what.

The drama of your teen years didn’t stop her. Neither will a divorce or mistake or anything else your future might hold.

I know, without question, that my mom will love me no matter how many times I fail at something. My guess is, your mom’s love is never-ending too.

5. If you’re a good person, she most likely had a huge hand in that.

For better or for worse, our parents play a large role in making us into the people we become. Any good quality we possess is a direct result of our parents and the Lord.

If you were blessed to have a good mother, she deserves your thanks. Not everyone is so lucky.

So today, I want to say, “Thanks, Mom. I hope I’m as good of a mom to my boys as you have been to us.”

Join the conversation. What is one thing you love about your mom? Leave a comment on this post.  

*I also realize while writing this post that many of you are grieving this week…grieving because your mother is no longer with you. I’m deeply sorry for your loss and thinking and praying for you.

*This post was originally published in 2015, and has been updated.