 |
| Me, my mom, and my little brother on Catalina Island in 2002 |
@font-face {
font-family: “Cambria”;
}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }ul { margin-bottom: 0in; }
Mother’s Day is this weekend.
It can be a difficult day for me, since my mom is no longer here on this earth, but this year I want to reflect on many of the wonderful things she did teach me in the 19 years I had her in my life. Some of these things she told me; others I observed merely by watching her.
1. Always be kind to others, even if they’re not kind to you. You never know what they’re dealing with in their life and what your kindness will mean to them.
2. Don’t shove your faith down someone else’s throat. Instead, show others your faith by what you do and by the love you demonstrate.
3. Be especially nice to those people who aren’t part of the “in crowd.” Jesus befriended the outcasts and so should we.
4. Don’t complain. Remember that there is always someone else who has it worse than you, and be grateful for what you do have.
5. Be loyal to your family. Friendships may come and go, but in the end, it’s your family who will always be there.
6. Even though it’s tempting to take things out on those closest to you just because they’ll “always be there,” don’t.
7. Life is not about having money. Be satisfied with where you are and with what you have in life.
8. Follow your husband wherever he feels God leading your family. Even if it’s hard and you feel like kicking and screaming the whole way there.
9. Be a cheerleader for your friends and family. Don’t let jealousy or petty spite get in the way of love.
10. The fool builds his house on the sand, but the wise person on the rock. Keep God as your foundation and your house will not sink in the hard times.
Your Turn: What important lessons has your mother or a mentor taught you about life?
*The winner of Katie Ganshert’s debut novel, Wildflowers from Winter, is Kathy Beal! Congrats, Kathy. I’ll contact you with details.
@font-face {
font-family: “Cambria”;
}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }ul { margin-bottom: 0in; }
@font-face {
font-family: “Cambria”;
}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }ul { margin-bottom: 0in; }
@font-face {
font-family: “Cambria”;
}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0in; }ul { margin-bottom: 0in; }
Those are beautiful things you learned from your mom. I hope I teach my kids such wise lessons. I learned from my mom to be bold and to stick up for what I believe in. My mom made me proud many times as a kid. 🙂
That's awesome! And I'm sure you are a great mom teaching your kids great lessons too.
Wow, these are some phenomenal lessons! I'll be thinking of you this weekend. I learned kindness and stickittoitness (which I so know is not a word like I wrote it). I learned to have an open mind, open heart, and to always open the door for others (more than just literally).
~ Wendy
Thanks for your thoughts, Wendy! I love made-up words. 😉
Great life lessons, Lindsay, your mom would be proud that you've chosen to live by her example. I don't think I've ever sat down and came up with a list of things my mom has taught me, but it's a wonderful idea. I'll have to put a little more thought into it to come up with a more thorough list in my own mind. My mom is a wise and strong woman and she's overcome incredible obstacles in her life. The first things that come to mind are: persevere, encourage others and be a leader. She's had rheumatoid arthritis since she was 26 and at different points in her life she's been in a wheel chair and hospitalized because of it – but she persevered and two years later that crazy woman became the second female mayor in our town! She now in her second term. She amazes me!
I sat down and wrote this blog post in like 20 minutes. That's how quickly it all came to me. I love that it was that easy. I'm sure it would be for you, too. Your mom sounds amazing!
Linds, I'm definitely going to be thinking of you and praying for you on Sunday…am already. I think it's awesome how many wonderful things your mom taught you…the legacy you're carrying on. Hugs, friend!
My mom has taught me sooo many things…the best is seeing her love for Christ and how that plays out in her words and actions.
Thank you and hugs back!
I love seeing Love in action. Love is a verb, right? 😉
That list is awesome, Lindsay. What a great legacy your mom left you in the form of her wisdom and counsel. She must have been a wonderful, godly woman. You're a tribute to her memory in the way you live your life.
Mother's Day can be tough when we've lost our mother or, in my case, beloved mother-in-law. I find the day to be bittersweet as treasured memories mingle with missing her. Hugs to you as you make it through another Mother's Day without your mom.
I know what you mean about bittersweet. I'm blessed to have a great stepmom and mother-in-law to celebrate this weekend. Plus, my grandma will be in town this weekend, which is just awesome. She stood in for my mom at my wedding and lit the bride's candle, so it will be great to celebrate with her!
Your mom sounds like she was a wonderful, wise woman. I be you are a lot like her.
My mom taught me to be friendly to people you meet along the way each day. She always said encouraging things to people in the grocery store or the post office … I admire that about her.
It's so hard for me to do that, but I've always admired people who could…talk to strangers and treat them like friends. I want to be like that.
What a great list, Lindsay!
Unfortunately, I don't have a very close relationship with my mom, but we will celebrate with her this Sunday.
She taught me more things NOT to do than to do. So, when I became a mom, I had to trust that the Lord would help me teach my son the right things to do!
But two good things my mom does leave me with is a love for Christmas time and to have faith in the Lord. She always made sure her 4 kids had a wonderful Christmas. I do remember times when she would remind me to trust in God.
I hope you are able to have a wonderful Sunday with your "other" moms!!
I'm glad God has used your mom in your life even though you aren't super close, Ruth. And I can tell you are a great mom! Nathan has turned out so well. 🙂
To laugh. We must have a sense of humor to ease us through the not too funny stuff. Mom lived through the Depression. Those were not funny years, and yet she tells so many stories of her childhood that are hilarious. Mom's family was poor as church mice but always had faith in God and a smile on their faces.
Perspective is everything, isn't it?
You are such a dear friend. I loved reading your blog today! Your mom was a very special lady:) She was so loving and fun to be around. I will be lifting you up in prayer this weekend especially. Make sure to tell grandma 'hello' for me and give her a big hug. I hope you enjoy your time with her. Love you!
Aw, thanks, Meg!! I love you too. And yep, remember all the advice my mom gave us? 😉 Ha.
I will definitely tell Grandma hi for you.
Miss you, friend! So much!