Every year for Mother's Day magazines, tv shows, and the news pay tribute to moms. One of the ways they do this is by asking people what the greatest lesson was that their mother taught them. The answers range from ultra serious things in life to ways to make your waist look smaller in a bathing suit (although, I do see this as an especially important issue as well-whoever can teach me to do this in the 2012 presidential race will undoubtedly win my vote).
I started thinking this past week what my mom's legacy is in me. What is one thing that she has taught me that I will take with me forever, will pass onto my children, and will hopefully be passed on for generations to come.
Honestly, I can't think of one extremely valuable thing she has taught me over the years; but I can think of two extremely significant life lessons she has taught me that have helped to shape who I am and how I live.
1) She taught me, not by words, but by example, that when you get married you are married for better or worse. Now I am not saying stay with someone that is abusive or consistently commits adultery. What she did teach me though is that in life and in marriage, it isn't always easy, but that doesn't mean you run. You work to make it better, as much as it depends on you, you honor the vows you made before God and man. Because even when we see a situation as hopeless, God sees it as hope-filled.
2) This has been a big one for me since 3rd grade when I really started to get teased in school, and it continues to be a lesson that I live daily in response to how people may treat me, my husband, or my children. She taught me that even if an injustice has been done to me, I should not REACT to someone in anger. Rather, if I am going to stand up to injustice I need to watch my words very carefully, and in every way take my time and understand the possible ways something could be misconstrued or misunderstood, and be aware of what the possible consequences may be for how I handle a situation.
I love this piece of advice because I think there is so much wisdom in it! Have I always conducted myself in a way that I am proud of? Nope. Always watched my words? Nope. But the times that I have I can honestly say that when I look back those are the moments where I feel I walked with a lot of dignity, and that personally feels really good.
So thank you mom. Thank you for being such an incredible mom that loves her family with her whole heart. Thank you for consistently supporting me, my marriage, and your grandsons in everything! We love you with everything in our hearts.
Happy Mother's Day.
With a Heart Full of Love,
Lindsey
*What are some great lessons your mom has taught you over the years?
