One day I’m going to write a book, my adult son Casey tells me. It’s going to be titled “Things My Mother Never Taught Me.“
That’s not comforting news to a mother like me who homeschooled her children from kindergarten through high school and prone to fear that she didn’t teach her children well, but Casey has a bent for teasing so I don’t get too worried yet.
At the top of the list, he informs me, is what a newborn baby’s first poop looks like. I laugh out loud, a bit relieved, as he continues. I thought Mason was dying. You should have told me.
There’s some things in life you simply have to experience for yourself, I tell Casey with a grin.
Truth is, I know exactly what Casey means. I’ve often thought my own mother didn’t prepare me for many of life’s experiences, from mothering to grandmothering and the complex issues we wrestle with near retirement.
But as I think about it, maybe my mother taught me more by what she didn’t say than what she did. She didn’t live a life of ease – either physically or emotionally. Life was hard, painful and more grievous than she could ever have imagined it would be, yet I never heard her complain. She approached each challenge and difficulty with grace, humor and a confidence that grew as her relationship with Christ matured. I pray that is what my family sees in me.
I can’t prepare my children for everything in life, but like my mother, I can model mature and godly responses to my own circumstances.
Love covers a multitude of sins, scripture reminds me. (I Peter 4.8) I can ask my family to forgive me when I fail them, and I can quickly forgive them and extend grace when they disappoint me.
Most importantly, I can lead them to Christ and to the wisdom God longs to give each of us when we ask (James 1.5), and I can pray for them always, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide them where ever the Lord leads, just as He does for me.
1 Peter 4:8 … love that verse. During my early mommying years, I put a twist to it: Love covers a multitude of mommy-mistakes.
Love that, Beth. And it’s true. So grateful for grace….and the love our children have for us in spite of our mistakes.
I pray that’s what my family sees in me, too. Unfortunately, I think they too often see–well… poop. I’m glad love and grace covers me.
I hear you, Sandra…and it’s so good to be able to say so and be grateful for grace and the love that covers a multitude of sins.
Isn’t really more caught then taught…they are watching and observing….and they know better than most when were are faking it or living it…and for that…I am thankful love does cover….
Amen,Ro. Amen.
I have always placed such an emphasis on words — on the verbal instruction I gave my children. But now that they are grown, they remember what I did. If I would have channeled my words into action just a little more…
Me, too, David. Me, too. I’m so very grateful for grace.
Patricia! I read this on my phone first thing this morning and have been thinking about it all day. I didn’t realize until I clicked over here for real that you wrote it!
I know those fears of a homeschooling mama, that self-imposed pressure that we have to get it all right or else. But there is such comfort in this beautiful line of yours: “I can’t prepare my children for
everything in life, but like my mother, I can model mature and godly
responses to my own circumstances.”
Amen and amen. Well done, my friend!
Oh, Nancy…thank you so much. My favorite line is the verse “love covers a multitude of sins” because I didn’t always “model mature and godly responses to my own circumstances”…in fact, I still don’t always do it right. Thank you Lord for grace.
I love this Patricia. Wise, wise words. I am so thankful Grace filled in all the places I fell so far short.
Me, too, Linda. Grace and the love that covers a multitude of sins.
Beautiful post, beautiful pictures.
Thank you, Amy. God is good.
I reckon each of us could write a book with that very title! So, what was second on his list or was the entire book gonna be about tar poop? Okay, my bad…
This is a beautyFull reminder about the ultimate Parent and His guidance, love, and mercy. Thank you. And that last image, wowzer.
Blessings.
LOL! He never told me, Darlene. I’m not sure I want to ask him, either. Thank you, dearly simply Darlene.
Patricia–here’s the line that spoke to me: ” I can model mature and godly responses to my own circumstances.” That right there is a lifelong assignment for this mother here. Beautiful piece.
Jody, I’m sorry I didn’t see this earlier. Thank you. xox