Wisdom Speaks

I remember her then; filled with vigor and vitality – quiet, calm and filled with love and wisdom. It was 1978– that was 45 years ago. Where did the time go? Today she’s 83 years old. Staring at her picture, I wondered what consumed her thoughts back then. Probably, she was concerned about her 4 daughters and 3 sons. Like many parents she probably whispered: ” Lord, let me see my children pass the worst.’ For the record, I haven’t yet figured out what ‘the worst’ means. 😊 Will they be okay? Will the bills be paid this month? Will my marriage make it? What will the doctor say next time? Does it get any easier? I imagined everything she probably worried about then. Forty-five years later, she lived to see that it all worked out just fine. In light of eternity, all her worries did little to impact the outcomes. Her prayers did. If she were to sit with the generations behind her, her voice would echo years of acquired wisdom. She would probably say:

From My Heart:

Nothing makes sense without Christ. When it’s all said and done – things bring temporary satisfaction. Worrying gives you something to do but takes you nowhere. It wastes your time and kills your faith. I wasted a lot of time worrying, then I learned how to pray. My prayers accomplished more than my words. Your children will be okay, love them and pray for them. Be patient with your spouse and loved ones. Be quick to forgive and be open to listening. Trust God with the outcomes. Stay true to who you are. Not everyone might understand your choices; especially when you choose to honor God. Not every voice deserves a space in your head. Watch out for those who attempt to impose their ‘convictions’ on you. Always run it by the truth of God’s word. Not every question deserves to be answered. Silence can indeed be golden. Be content with what you have. Use what God has blessed you with. Hard work kills no one. Do your best to honor your obligations; God will do what you can’t. Be kind and gracious to others – it has a way of coming back to you. Keep your doors and your heart open. You never know whose life you might impact. You not only live for yourself—you also live for others. Eighty-three can make you feel tired at times. However, when those years were invested in purpose and pursuits that honor God, they are worth every minute. Live well no matter what number you are blessed with. That’s what I did.

‘From the voice of 83’

***Thanks for reading- If you still have your mom or grandma, that’s a blessing.