May 11, 2017 - When I was only eight years old my father passed away. My mother having to fend for herself, and the five boys she had to raise alone, had to have help taking care of us. So my brothers and I spent a lot of time with our grandmothers. Both of who were widows as well. I learned a lot observing the actions and words of these women of God. As I reflect back on these pearls of wisdom that they passed on to myself and my brothers, I realize they have carried me through, and kept me out of many difficulties in life. They are too good not to pass along for others to treasure as well.
So here they are:
1) A hug and kiss is the best pain reliever. There is something in a hug that just seems to make things better. I don't mean one of those half hearted side hugs, but a both arms around you, head on the chest hug. The kind that lets the person getting the hug share the hurt with the person who is hugging them. Those kind of hugs seem to melt away the hurts in life. It reminds us that there is someone who loves us, protects us, and cares for us no matter how bad things are at the time.
2) Its always better to tell the truth than a lie. My grandmother used to say lies grow. You have to tell three more lies to cover the first. So its always best just to tell the truth to start. Some people tell lies for so long that they even start believing they are true. The truth will set you free. A lie will enslave you. Jesus said, "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free"
3) Coloring with your child is a great way to find out what they are really thinking and feeling. Never pass up a chance to spend that one on one quality time with your child. It will stay with them for their entire life. I was at a funeral recently and watched the "memory video" that was playing. It dawned on me that when we pass from this earth, our life is nothing more than a collage of memories that we have given our family and friends. So spend your time wisely making as many good memories as you can. That is how you will be remembered.
4) Hold hands when things get scary. Knowing that your not alone when things look dangerous gives you comfort and courage. Holding hands also gives you a sense of security in knowing if you fall, become weak, or something tries to "snatch" you away someone is there to hold you, pick you up, or willing to go through it with you.
5) Don't Stick your finger in the fan. I learned this the hard way. Mother told me this many times and still one day as I stood in front of the fan I just had to see for myself what the big deal was. So I inched my finger ever so close until BRRRRRRING!! I thought that I had lost not only my finger but my whole hand! After a hug and a kiss to relieve the pain my grandmother reminded me of the bible verse that said "if you obey your parents it will add years to your life." There are lots of fans (dangers) out there we just don't need to ever put our fingers in.
6) Just because your poor doesn't mean you have to be dirty. In other words keep yourself clean no matter your circumstances. Always "put your best face forward." Proverbs 13:7, "There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing: And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches."
7) Always put on clean underwear when you leave home. You never know what will happen to you; so be prepared. Every time you leave home you are stepping into the unknown. Don't let life catch you off guard, and embarrass you. Let what's underneath be as clean as what's showing on the outside. Matt.23:26, "first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside may be clean also."
8) Don't Worry about things you can't change. Just concern yourself with the things you can change. That's where you can make a difference. Stop wasting time worrying. Matt 6:34, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
9) Choose your battles. Don't allow others to draw you into troubles when you can avoid them. There are things worth fighting for, but there are some things its best to walk away from. Romans 12:21, "Do not be over come by evil, but overcome evil with good."
10) Love with all your heart even if it hurts sometimes. To be children of God we have to love. God is love. Galatians 5:14, "For the law is fufilled in on word, even in this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
11) Doing things for others always makes you feel better. It is more blessed to give than receive. We are called to serve. Mark 10:45, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many."
12) Learn to laugh at yourself and laugh often. We all do funny things sometimes. Don't take yourself too seriously. Life is too short not to enjoy. Proverbs 17:22, "A merry heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones."
+1) God is in Control. When all is said and done God is sovereign and His will, will be done. God loves us and always has our best interest at heart. Romans 8:31, "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us who can be against us?"
If you take these pearls that were given to me by the woman who mothered me through the years, I believe they will add peace, joy, and happiness to yours.
Just sayin
Mike Belgard
