It is time to take a trip down memory lane. Remember all of those things that mom used to say when you were little? Well, you would be surprised how many are still of value in our adult lives today.
1. Eat Your Vegetables.
For most, this was every kid’s least favorite rule. However, it still is very true in life today, especially for me. You see, the irony of it all is that I wasn’t always the biggest fan of vegetables, but today I am a vegetarian. While I do know taste buds change over time, I will say that my love for vegetables certainly did come from Mom’s constant nagging.
2. People will disappoint you, but God will not.
I remember what my mom said the first time someone really hurt my feelings. My mom took me into her arms and explained that putting our trust in people, will always result in hurt, while putting our trust in God will always result in peace and love. If there is one thing I have definitely come to see in life, it is that people will always disappoint you, because we live in a fallen world. However, putting my trust and hope in God always ensures a deep peace.
3. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
This phrase took me awhile to understand, yet as I grew older it became clearer. Putting your time, energy, love, and or devotion into one person or thing can be dangerous and exhausting. Mom always knew that wasting time on one thing can be destructive and dangerous, especially when your time could be used elsewhere.
4. Look both ways before crossing.
In some ways, this comment can be both figurative and literal. For one, it is always important to look both ways before you cross a street. Yet in the figurative sense, it is always important to examine how safe a potential decision is before you cross into it.
5. Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
My mom used to repeat this to me all the time when I was young. Today, I still say it to myself whenever I feel anxious or afraid.
6. Treat others the way you want to be treated.
This is a pretty average thing to say to young children, but do we really think about it today? With all the sarcasm and crude humor, are we really treating each other the way we would want to be treated? I think we all need to remember those wise words from our mothers.
7. Keep your chin up and smile.
There were definitely some rough days when I came home from dance class in tears. My mom always taught me to keep my chin up and smile, because someone else may need to see that smile today as well. She always reminded me that smiling makes you feel better too. I still remember that comment when I am having a bad day.
8. Do not repay evil for evil.
I think my mom said this comment often because I had little sisters. If you have siblings, your mom probably said this too. While this is true for kids, I also think that as adults we need to remember that revenge is never a good idea.
9. If you do not have anything nice to say, do not say it.
Since we are older, we automatically don’t call someone a “Poop Head” because they took our favorite toy. However, that doesn’t just mean we shouldn’t take this famous quote to heart. I believe that as we get older, it is harder not to gossip behind people’s backs. So in some ways, we always have to ask ourselves, “is what I am about to say beneficial to the person I am talking about?” If it is not nice, do not say it.
10. Clean up after yourself.
This may seem elementary, but as an adult in college, it is so needed. I know many people that weren’t taught to clean up after themselves when they were young and let me tell you, they are not fun to live with. So please, listen to your mother’s wise words and clean up after yourself.
