LESSONS FROM MY MOTHER

Lessons From My Mother Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck… My son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths (Proverbs 1:8-9, 15) What did your mother tell you? What were your father’s words? Do you hear their voice as you read this? How did they prepare you for life? Did you even have a mother or father? What were the life lessons you got from them? What did they make sure you imbibed? What did you swear you would not repeat? As I write this, I see my mother’s face and hear her voice. She always had authority in her voice. You just knew you had to do as she said. She was caring in a firm way. She told folk tales but always with a lesson in mind. She occupied you from morning till night. Now I know why (I am a mother now!) She never said you couldn’t play with neighbours; you just knew you dared not. One of the life lessons that would not leave me: I had gone with her to the market. She pointed my attention to the woman selling pepper. The lady had a blouse and a wrapper on, and the outfit did not match. Her stall was a rickety table and bench. Maami made sure I noticed a green Mercedes 200 (at that time, it was the car the rich rode). She then noted that we, Maami and I, the pepper seller and the Benz owner had come to the same market. She told me, I was the determinant of which of the visitors to the market I would be. If I worked hard, I would come in my Benz. If I played a little, I would come on foot or be the pepper seller. She noted that all the characters were about the same age bracket. So it was my choice. I got the message. If you do not want to serve your mate, do not play when you are supposed to work. I am glad to say; I took her lesson. Every time I go to the market and see the pepper seller, I always have a smile on my face. I remember Maami’s words. My mother has since passed on, but her words remain: * • Do not judge, you do not have all the facts. Things are not always as they appear. * • Do not lie to yourself. Always be true. * • There is always a reward, a day of reckoning, * • God knows it all. * • Be kind. * • Do not give up on your dreams. * • God is above all. * • Everything has an expiry date as long as it is on this side of eternity. * • Save all you can, even in giving, save. * • There is always a due season. * • Do not borrow. * • Diligence ensures your place at the top. * • Vision keeps you alive. * • Focus on the long run * • .Set paper on fire, the flames are wild and short-lived. Set charcoal on fire, the fire lingers on. * • Any wind would blow out paper fuel; every wind is good for the charcoal fire. * • God will not follow you; you should follow God. * • Every man has a right to freedom. * • The word of the Lord – that alone shall stand. * • A leader is a dealer of hope. There are many more, but we must all have our own. You must endeavour to draw up a list of what guides your life. Whose voice rings in your ears? Who raised you in Gods ways? Did they teach you to listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit? How are you doing in that regard?