Your mom. Naggy, annoying, full of criticism. “Sit up straight, don’t squint, did you even brush your hair?” I hear that at every single senior session, and it drives my seniors (you) crazy. I know. I know you’re hearing all this negative stuff coming out of her mouth and you could just scream and you don’t want her there any more. But let me tell you something. When you hear your mom say “sit up straight” what she’s really saying is “I love you.”
“I love you, I love you, I LOVE you.”

With VERY few exceptions, your mom honestly, legitimately, from the bottom of her heart wants the very best for you. Maybe she knows that when you are slouching your tummy looks funny, and you’re self conscious about that so she wants to save you from seeing that in your images. Or maybe she brushed your hair every night before you went to bed for ten years, and misses her baby girl. In any event, your mom loves you.

Flashback to my senior prom. I always say that I have no regrets, and I wouldn’t change one moment in my life for anything, but if I had to choose one it would be that night.
I was frustrated. I was angry. I was going to prom stag. I was so angry with the school for not letting me take my boyfriend of three years, just because he was 21. I also felt really insecure in the dress I chose, and my hair just wasn’t sitting right. I was running late, and everything was falling down around me.

In walks my mom. If you know my mother, you know she is a saint. Literally one of the best human beings to walk the earth. She is always giving, never asking for anything in return. She loves everyone, and has made it her life mission to help anyone that needs anything ever. She knew, that I needed my hair fixed, so she jumped in to help. I freaked out on her, I was 17, and I regret it deeply. I screamed at her and took all my anger on the situation and put it on her shoulders. I told her she sucked, and to leave me alone. I still cry when I remember the hurt in her eyes.

Your senior year is hard. You’re stressed out with all the decisions you have to make, all the things you have to do, and all the time that is ticking away. I know. It’s hard for your relationship with your mom too. In youth ministry I see seniors every year complaining about their moms. I promise mom’s and seniors that this is the hardest part, next year you guys will be best friends again and it will all be ok, but for now it’s hard.

I want to encourage you to put yourself in your mom’s shoes, and to maybe take a breath before you yell at her again. She loves you. She wants the very best for you and she will move the moon for you to be happy. Be thankful for her