Think of Grandmother Willow from "Pocahontas." My Mamaw Bailey is the Grandmother Willow of my life, speaking in riddles that leave me hanging onto every word. Of course there are grandmothers that comfort you with Southern food and encouraging words, and grandfathers that will be there to pick you up when you fall but let you know they had faith in you the whole time to stand on your own. Grandparents are the rays of sunshine that gleam even on the cloudy days. They spoil us, they love us unconditionally, and they share their words of wisdom. So here are 15 quotes to live by from our grandparents.
1. “Miracles happen every day. You just have to look for them.”
Don’t get so caught up in the negativities of life that you forget how astonishing it can be.
2. “I’ve told them the Lord takes, but He always gives back more than He takes away.”
Remember to keep faith in the tough times. You will see why one day.
3. “True friends don’t come ‘round that often. Keep ‘em close."
Time and distance may keep your friends from seeing each other as often as you used to, but if you can pick up where you all left off and remain strong when times get tough or celebrate together in times of joy, then you are the lucky ones.
4. “Don’t cut it off. Leave it be and see how far it will grow.”
In life, there will be times you want to give up on things. Try to give it a second chance.
5. “Time’s gonna keep marchin’ on. Learn to sit and enjoy the parade.”
There will be situations in life that are out of our control. In those times, be grateful for the good and embrace the uncertainty.
6. “Don’t hate the one who did it. Hate what he did.”
Mistakes happen; it is a part of life. But forgiveness is something far too often held back. Learn to forgive and be weary of what caused the need for forgiveness.
7. “You look outside and see the red buds and tulips bloom and you think, ‘How can this be more beautiful than last year?’ But it is. God paints this miracle every year.”
I think we could all take a moment to appreciate the beauty of life.
8.“Every morning when you wake up, thank Him. Thank Him for the good moments and He will be there when the bad ones come.”
Life is precious; be grateful for it. And remember you are never alone in the good or bad times of this journey.
9. “I have faith in you.”
Simple and underrated. These are the most encouraging words I could hear.
10. “You just have to keep trying. It takes time, but dedication will get you there.”
Nothing of worth happens in a moment. Keep your hope and try again. If you want it, it will happen.
11. “Just remember I was here helping you. Ya can’t forget about me.”
As we grow to be independent, remember your grandparents still see you as the five year old they had lunch with in your elementary school cafeteria for Grandparents’ Day. Don’t forget they are our tutors of life.
12. “You gotta let sh*t go. It clogs your drains.”
Well, you know your grandmother is from the south when she uses a phrase like this as a metaphor for life. But you have to admit it is boldly honest and accurate.
13. “You will fail. It’ll happen. But I know you will get there. You are the one that can do it.”
Yes it is hard to hear your own grandmother tell you that you will fail, but to know she has the faith you can stand back up and succeed, that is love.
14. “Family is the one guarantee in life. Now they’re not guaranteed to always get along, but you’re guaranteed to have ‘em.”
Sure brothers and sisters fight. Parents and children don’t understand one another as they grow older. But your family will be there to love and support you when no one else is around.
15. “Slow as smoke off a cold shit.”
Frankly, I could not tell you what this means. But at least it gives you a good laugh.
Recall the greatest mentors from your favorite movies: Yoda, Grandmother Willow, Aslan. Keep in mind your grandparents. I find myself turning to my grandparents when I need guidance, only for them to tell me I already know what to do, I just have to trust in myself. They may not be tiny green creatures or have a roar that can wake trees, but grandparents are the greatest mentors in life.
