Inspiration from Mothers. . .

This past week was particularly slow for me.  I have had a bug that knocked me for a loop.  There were a couple of days that I didn't even feel like watching TV or reading.  I basically lie in the bed, wallowing, doing nothing.  Thank heavens after a few days I could actually open my laptop or watch the news to see what was going on in the world.I found two stories that filled my heart.  Inspired me.  Made me think of Mother's Day approaching and be thankful that I have had the awesome privilege of mothering.  While I am a mother to three fabulous boys (and three dogs), I don't think of celebrating me when it comes to Mother's Day.  I still think it is a day reserved for my own mother or The Husband's mother.  I think it is a day to make them feel special and show appreciation for the sacrifices, love, patience and caring they have shown.  Since these mothers are no longer with us, Mother's Day feels a little "off".When I came across stories from or about two amazing women epitomizing the spirit of setting examples of strength, inside and out, I felt like Mother's Day should be more than a passing thought.  It is all about how we show love, how we set examples and what we teach those that we are mothering.  You may have also seen these this week.  If so, please indulge me and enjoy them again!  In honor of all those mothers out there!The first is Ida Keeling.  Did you see her this week?  She is a 100 year old ball of strength who completed a 100 meter race.   She finished the race in a huge embrace with her proud daughter.  Then she promptly celebrated with push - ups and stretching!  Wow!  Take a look at this video and watch her FORM in those push-ups! https://youtu.be/QSBDYKaHgdQNow that is inspiring!  I also watched an interview of her on the news.  She walks up and down the halls of her apartment building every day and also works out with weights.  He husband died when she was in her early 40's.  She said she knew he would be proud of her.  But, what really stood out in the interview, was when she said, "Your strength is in you."  My friends, that will preach.  What an example for her daughter - and for all of us!It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Joanna Gaines from the HGTV show Fixer Upper.  I am also a fan of her husband, Chip, who I have a secret crush on.  Guess not so secret anymore.  Anyway, I have loved watching their show take off and all the other areas they have tackled.  Their show, businesses and family are all grounded in their faith, and while they do not exactly "preach" it on their show, it comes through.  I came across this article by Joanna entitled "A Letter to Moms".  It is a lovely piece.  It may seem long, but it is so worth the read.  I hope you enjoy.A Letter to MomsLastly, in honor of Mother's Day, I wanted to look back at what I had previously said, if anything, about this day.  I reread my post from 2012 and think it's perfect.  It is my reminder of some of the things I learned from my mother.  Whether you have a mother living or no longer with you, whether you have a relative or friend who is like a mother to you, or a father, uncle, grandfather, who takes on the role of mother, realizing and appreciating all that you learned from them is a great Mother's Day gift.(Re-Post)Happy Mother’s DayMay 13, 2012 by Marla-Deen Brooks Leave a Comment (Edit)‘nuf saidSo, don’t forget your mother (or Mama as I say), grandmother, person like your mother, especially your childrens’ mother, or whoever is like their mother . . .You’ll be sorry if you do. Just saying. . . It’s also a great time to think about some of the good things you learned from your good ol’ Mom. Even if you didn’t have the best relationship there are usually a thing or two you learned.I learned a few things myself and realize I am still learning from my mother. Here are a few:The saying, “But for the grace of God there go I”.How to fold fitted sheetsHow to keep a drawer organizedHow to “work a room” and learn peoples’ namesHow you get more with honey than with vinegarHow you should always have lipstick on when you go to town, even if you don’t have a stitch of make-up onHow to clean silverHow to have, serve, preserve and put up fresh vegetablesHow to be ladylike, even when you don’t feel like itHow to hugHow to nurse a sick child, bring down a fever, fix a skinned kneeHow to be really strong when things get really badHow to always smileHow to pick your battles. (you know, some just aren’t worth it)How to have good mannersHow to re-pot a plantThat babies don’t come with instruction books tattooed on their bottoms. They are all different!The importance of hard workHow to be really good at helping with school projects, Halloween costumes, pageant routines, dress up days, presentations, craft projectsHow important it is to just listen sometimesHow it doesn’t matter if your dress is homemade or inexpensive or not “in”. What matters is IN the dressNow that I am also a mother I have learned that my mother truly loves me more than anything in the world. I have also learned that being a mother is a constant learning process. Every day brings a new delight, joy, crisis, heartache, angst, frustration, sweat, joke and belly laugh.It truly is the best job out there! The hardest job and the most rewarding!What great things have you learned from your mother?Happy Mother’s Day!Enjoy Your Day!