Scripture reading: II Timothy 1:5; 3:14–15

Things My Mother Taught Me

An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy. (Spanish proverb)

 

Just for fun this Mother’s Day, let’s remember what our mothers taught us. I cannot document the original source for the following “momisms,” but I can vouch for the fact that they reflect the wisdom many of us received in that greatest of all educational institutions (the home) taught by the greatest of all teachers (mom).

,. My mother taught me LOGIC. “Because I said so, that’s why.”

,. My mother taught me RELIGION. “You’d better pray that will come out of the carpet.”

,. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL. “Stop that or I’ll knock you into the middle of next week.”

,. My mother taught me about OMNISCIENCE. “I’ve got eyes in the back of my head, that’s how.”

,. My mother taught me ECONOMICS. “Do you think money grows on trees?”

,. My mother taught me GROUP DYNAMICS. “What if everybody jumped off a cliff? Would you do it too?”

,. My mother taught me IRONY. “Keep crying and I’ll give you something to cry about.”

,. My mother taught me OSMOSIS. “Shut your mouth and eat your vegetables.”

,. My mother taught me about THE CIRCLE OF LIFE. “I brought you into this world and I can take you out.”

,. My mother taught me HUMOR. “When that lawn mower cuts off your foot, don’t come running to me.”

,. My mother taught me GENETICS. “You’re just like your father.”

,. My mother taught me FORESIGHT. “Make sure you wear clean underwear in case you’re in an accident.”

,. My mother taught me CONTORTIONISM. “Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck?”

,. My mother taught me BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION. “Stop acting like your father.” 

,. My mother taught me ENVY. “There are millions of kids who would love to have parents like yours.”

,. My mother taught me ANTICIPATION. “Just wait until we get home.”

,. My mother taught me JUSTICE. “One day you’ll grow up to have kids just like you!”

,. Above all, my mother taught me UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. “I love you because I love you.”

 

Now, if you have a mother, let her know how much you love her and how much you appreciate all she has done for you. If your mother is gone, thank God for all the blessings you have received because of her influence. If you are a mother, enjoy all the love and attention that you so richly deserve!

 

There is more power in a mother’s hand than in a king’s scepter.

—Billy Sunday

point to ponder • The most important teacher anyone ever had was his / her mother.

prayer focus • Strength for those friends, family, and neighbors who have the awesome responsibility of mothering.