Lessons learned…..from moms

I am one of the lucky ones.

This beautiful lady is my mother, Mildred.

And this classy lady is my mother-in-law, Naomi.

And everyone should have an Aunt Mardene in their life.

Today, as we honor our mothers, I thought I’d share a few bits of wisdom I learned from these amazing women.

Here goes:

1.  Love and sacrifice are innate qualities to them. 

No matter what.

Everyone else comes first.  It didn’t matter if they were tired, sick, busy, or wanting some personal time, if we needed them- they were always there.  In fact, if anyone needed them they were of service.  You didn’t even have to ask.  They seemed to always know.

2.  The best way to a person’s  heart is through their stomach. 

I have wonderful memories of delicious meals prepared by their hands.  Some are recipes that none of us can even replicate.  A visit always included a tasty meal or treat.  So many heavenly aromas came from their kitchens.

3.  A little humor goes a long way (and takes the stress of life).

My mother and her good friend, Carol, once made dresses out of the old stage curtains from our church.  (Think Carol
Burnett and her skit from Gone With The Wind.)  My mother-in-law loved to eat dessert first.  They always helped us see the humor in life’s little disasters, to laugh at the spills and mishaps.  They would always remind us that one day we would laugh at the situation and in the meantime, we would survive.

4.  Kindness is the only option. 

Whenever someone would offend us, we were always reminded to think about what it was like being in that person’s shoes.  They always practiced patience.  We were encouraged to never exclude people, or leave anyone out of the fun.  They always looked for the good in people.  Many times we heard the words, “If you can’t say anything kind, don’t say anything at all!”

5.  Aim for perfection.

We were guided by their examples and encouraged to try a little harder.  Quitting was never an option.  They were (Mardene is still alive, so I should add “are”) women of honor and courage, those we all look up to as earthly angels. 

We love and honor them and many other women today!

Happy Mothers’ Day!

JoAnn

P.S.  I am blessed to be the mother/mother-in-law of some pretty amazing children, too!