Mother’s Day is the grand mommy of family holidays. More flowers, candy and cards are sold for this day than any other (including Valentine’s Day). Have you ever tried to get a table at a restaurant on this special day? Most restaurants won’t even take reservations due to the onslaught of requests. The sad part about all of this is that, for some women, it is the only time they get fussed over and given special attention. Motherhood is a tough job and to raise a family and pour into their lives is a commitment that lasts a lifetime. It takes love, patience and discipline. The word discipline means to be a pupil or student, which means that as we teach our children, we also continue to learn how to be and give our best.
I feel blessed and grateful to be the mother of two beautiful children and now also two beautiful grandchildren. Just a couple of weeks ago, my son and daughter-in-love had their second child, my first granddaughter, Siena Rose! I have always loved being a mother and people who know me come to know my children as well. Back in the day, as a single mother, my children grew up intertwined in just about everything I did. Now, as a grandmother, I feel an even bigger and deeper responsibility to sow into their lives; especially with the climate we have in the world today. When I think back on my childhood, it was my grandmother who gave me my roots and foundation of who I am today.
It takes a village to raise a child and grandparents play a key role in the village. It is incumbent upon us to pass down family history and knowledge if we expect to keep it alive. Part of my passion or pastime is to research my family’s history. I enjoy learning; not only about the ethnicities and culture of my various family members, but also the community and environment from which they came. When we learn about not just our lineage, but also about the factors (environment) surrounding them, we gain insight as to why our ancestors might have made certain choices. We become who we are as a result of both nature and nurture.
I want my grandchildren to respect the differences of others, but to also be proud of who they are, where they’ve come from and the sacrifices their ancestors made for them to have the opportunities they have in this world. Sometimes it feels and looks like our society is going backwards (and to some extent there are many strides that have rolled back), but there’s always hope for a brighter future as long as there are children being born into this world. If we want the next generation to practice love and kindness towards other human beings, we must show and exhibit that same energy towards others today. Children don’t practice so much what they hear, but rather more of what they see.
Oprah said, “I believe the choice to become a mother is the choice to become one of the greatest spiritual teachers there is.” I believe it goes even deeper; we must put the love of God in their hearts and make sure they grow up with core values and principles that will guide the decisions they make during their lifetime. If they have no center in which to return when tough decisions must be made, they will fall to the wayside and become unbalanced. We can help them by providing a legacy that will heal the world and make it a better place for all. It’s called love.
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on!
Visit www.WendyEnterprises.com, www.SeasonofGreatness.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is an international coach, consultant, author and speaker.
