I will not be mean to a poor mother of three small boys who is obviously stressed because she has to stand in line at the post office instead of using the machine in the lobby to buy stamps. I will not say things like, "my children never behaved like hooligans". I will be loving and gracious and realize that people have feelings and that a sour word can hurt even when I do not even know the person.
I will remember that Christ did not respond to hurtful words with the same. I will remember the sweet ladies at church who think my children are darling even when they are rowdy.
I will be like Helen who at the young age of 81 still finds time to send thank you cards to young mothers. Who even after all that life has given her, still sings praises to our Lord and shares His love everywhere she goes.
And I will remember that my sister is having her birthday today and tell her "Happy 39th."
Posted by: elisabeth | October 11, 2006 at 01:18 PM
In my defense, I had already sent her a card and bought her a present before I saw her post. She is the best sister!!
Posted by: Athena | October 11, 2006 at 02:51 PM
I want to be cute and gracious when white hair crowns my head! I love hearing my children say, "OH, Mom! Look at her! Isn't she adorable?!" And when I turn to look it isn't a puppy or a sweet baby,no, it is an elderly lady with fluffy white curls who is smiling as she makes her way somewhere.
Age is supposed to breed wisdom, but only if wisdom is the path followed when young. Sometimes all age breeds is stupidity and sour apples. I am sorry you ran into the sour apple kind.
Happy Birthday Elisabeth! Today is My mommy's bday as well!
Posted by: deeapaulitan | October 11, 2006 at 06:59 PM
I want to be like a sweet woman at church. I have never seen her without a smile on her face. And truly smile is the wrong word. Her entire face glows. She is forever kind and loves to hug. She is such a blessing to me.
Posted by: Julie | October 12, 2006 at 12:43 AM
I want to be like my mom who is forging many new paths in her life as she turns 60 on Oct. 13th!
My mom is Rachel, the Assistant Teaching Director of you CBO. I wish I had posted this sooner so you could wish her Happy Birthday at CBO today. :-)
I have enjoyed your blog...How's the getting up early working? I struggle with that in a major way!
-Homeschooling mom of 4.
Posted by: Kristi | October 12, 2006 at 10:35 AM
Oops-I meant CBS, not CBO.
Posted by: Kristi | October 13, 2006 at 07:55 AM
Somebody's Mom turned 60 on October 13th! LOL. I turned 59 on October 13th. Happy Birthday to your mom Lady Kristi!
Athena, I hope no one was rude to you. That would make me so sad.
When I am old, I want to remember to be kind to everyone, too. Thanks for the reminder!
~Miss Roxie
Posted by: Miss Roxie | October 14, 2006 at 06:49 PM
Had this very thing happen last night with my daughter & her friend at KFC. They had a lot of energy after playing a full day of ball & were being a little onery.An older lady kept commenting to her husband about how her children would never behave like that. I was standing a foot away from her table. I nicely turned around and told her that I am sure she did a great job raising her children, but that I didn't ask her advice or opinion about raising mine. Shocked myself.....normally would think that but not say it. Needless to say she was speechless! I know it wasn't a very nice thing to do, but maybe she will think twice next time before being so JUDGEMENTAL!
Posted by: Cheryl | October 15, 2006 at 09:32 PM