I am blessed to have a mom who taught me many things by the example she lived before me. I know that I didn’t appreciate her nearly as much as I should have until I had children of my own!
Today I’ve gathered five of the lessons I’ve learned from her to share with you. These lessons are applicable to whatever stage of child rearing you’re in.
1. Be selfless. I think my mom went years without buying herself a new Easter dress, but we four children always had something new to wear for the occasion. That’s just one example of many in which she set aside her own desires so that we could have things we needed or wanted.
2. The best thing you can do for your children is to pray for them. I always knew my mom prayed for me daily, and even more so when I was going through a difficult time or had a big decision to make. I know that I’m blessed to continue to be an object of her prayers today.
3. Expect the best from your children. I didn’t feel pressure to perform (unless I put it on myself) or to behave a certain way, but I just intrinsically knew that she expected me to do my best, whether in school, at church, or just around the house.
4. Attend your children’s activities. Whatever my siblings and I did, my parents were always there to support us.
5. Know what your children like, and bless them with that as you can. Whether it was our favorite Little Debbie snack in our lunch box, a book from a series we wanted to read, or a certain home-baked snack in a college care package, she always seemed to know just what we liked. And that’s true to this day! When I’m home for a visit, I’ll nearly always find a favorite dessert (perhaps pecan pie) or get some favorite candy (Snickers or Reeses related, Dove chocolates) for my trip home.
I am thankful to have a special mom to celebrate this Mother’s Day, and certainly hope that I can follow in her footsteps and be a blessing to my children!
You know, my mother did the same things! And she seems to get wiser and wiser, the older I get. 🙂
Yes, it's amazing, isn't it!! 🙂
Your Mom is indeed a precious lady, a leader, and a teacher – and she lives it out every day. You have great lessons that she shared with you and the wisdom to teach them to your girls. Hope you have a tremendous Mother's Day! Chris
This is so beautiful!!! Each thing speaks such true love & consideration!
Yes times five, Tracey! It sounds like our moms would get along just fine. I'd say we are both beyond blessed. I hope your Mother's Day was lovely!
Thank you, Elizabeth! I did have a lovely Mother's Day, and hope you did as well!!