Yesterday was Mother’s Day and since everyone was so busy I decided to post today.  Some may call it a day late, but I prefer to call it an extended day of celebration!  Okay, it’s because I was busy and didn’t get it done on time.  But nevertheless I still want to make a tribute to Mom’s, and especially to my Mom.

My Mom taught me compassion.  When I came home from school hurt, she encouraged me to forgive.  I also learned mercy because she always gave the other kid the benefit of the doubt, teaching me that there are two sides to every story and in heated disagreements usually both sides have a fault.

My Mom taught us hospitality because she always seemed to be able to put an extra plate and food on the table when one of her children invited a friend at the last minute to stay for a meal.  Guess that’s why we all learned to make more than needed for any one meal.

My Mom taught us that keeping a house clean was important, but not nearly as important as keeping a right attitude toward others.  I learned that having a super clean house at the expense of having love in the home is like “cleaning the outside of the cup and leaving the inside dirty” (Matthew 23:25, Luke 11:39).

My Mom taught us to not grumble.  I’m not sure I ever heard her complain or grumble about the difficulties in her life.  And there were many, let me just say that.  I probably have missed this mark more than any other, but I keep trying to improve.  Thanks Mom for teaching us to not give up on others or ourselves.

My Mom taught us that the tone in our voice mattered with her famous saying “that honey catches more flies than vinegar”.  In translation this means that a “soft answer turns away strife or wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1).  She most always had a sense of calmness that helped curtail strife.

My Mom taught us that love is unconditional.  When we say we love someone it means we have made a decision to love them.  It means that we live in accordance to that decision by being kind in action and words.  We do not grumble about their short-comings because we also know we have many ourselves.  We remember not to compare one with another but love the individuality of each, for God has made us each special (Psalm 139:14).

Thanks Mom for all the good lessons.