Some people are fast learners…some are steady….some are slow…some never learn…but what I have learned is that it is in our stories, our personal times of joy and sorrow that we learn the most and if we are willing to share that with others, then we will accomplished great things. So after 40 years here are some of the most valuable things I have learned to date, I am thankful for the opportunities God has given me, but more than anything I am thankful He has taught me to have a humble, teachable heart….
1. My greatest accomplishments have no monetary value
2. Out of all the gifts I have received in my life it is the presence of people I value and remember the most
3. My failures do not define me; they mold me into the person He designed me to be
4. God is sovereign over my marriage
5. I would rather do one thing with excellence than a thousand things half ‘hee-haw’
6. When my children look me in the eye and say they have brushed their teeth – they are lying
7. If I don’t expect too much, I won’t be let down (I’ve learned it doesn’t mean I’m not still working on it)
8. I love giving gifts more than getting gifts
9. A lot of people do not know how to handle adversity, so when it comes into your life, they leave and it has nothing to do with you
10. When God puts a dream on your heart stop praying about it and do something about it
11. Usually the best thing to say to someone who is sharing their struggle is “I’m sorry” not everyone wants you to fix something, they just want to be heard.
12. It is alright to not be able to be everything for my kids or be their everything
13. I love being a stay at home mom, but not a house wife (anyone want to send a maid service?)
14. My main focus when making a decision needs to be first is it pleasing to God, and then is it pleasing to my husband, then how will it impact our family
15. I’m always going to make mistakes, always do the next right thing
16. When your boyfriend asks your dad to marry you, and your dad says it’s not a good idea, it doesn’t mean your dad doesn’t like your boyfriend, it means he loves you more than you can fathom
17. When you are respectful of others and your children, your children will respect you
18. Following your faith is harder than following the world
19. Even though you may be a professional in your industry, there is always more to learn, be humble enough not just to listen but to learn
20. I have no control how someone will react, only my own reactions to situations
21. When to step in and fight a battle for my kids and when to coach them on how to fight their own battle (this is obviously still evolving, but I’m learning)
22. Hurting people, hurt people
23. Sometimes it’s best to say nothing at all
24. Even though an adult is in their 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s. 70’s….doesn’t mean they are mature
25. Watching your baby sleep is one of life’s greatest gifts
26. My husband saved me, not the other way around
27. I hate packing lunches
28. As my children grow, and turn into young adults, they give me new reasons to fall in love with them all over again
29. My parents have always, and would still do anything for me
30. People aren’t used to people being nice to them, be nice anyway
31. The little people are watching…ALL THE TIME
32. To not care what other people think of me
33. How to set boundaries for healthy relationships
34. People you admire often have the similar insecurities as you
35. Complacency and mediocrity are not ok, if it can’t be done with excellence I won’t do it
36. Be strong in what you believe in or you’ll fall for anything that comes your way
37. Nobody is pregnant forever (thanks mom, it’s reassuring when your baby is late)
38. To be myself and never apologize for it
39. If it’s important to you and others scuff at it, do it anyway, and lead the way
40. I have faced battles, I will face more, I am strong and with God by my side, there is nothing to fear.
Leave a Reply