Puffed-up Mother Hen

My Mother was a Proverbs 31:10-31 woman. All this while raising a big family!

She had her ups and downs, good days and bad. But she wouldn't always show the emotional turmoil that was stirring in her heart. She would smile and say that things will be alright and just kept right on moving ahead. She outlived 7 of her 10 children. That had to be devastating in itself! She managed raising a large family during the GREAT DEPRESSION of the 30's. Times were tough, but they made it through, by the grace of God; and she knew this. She was a praying woman. I believe this is what sustained her during those tough times. She was strong; through Christ!

She conceived me during her 'changes-in-life' and I'm sure this was a big surprise. By the time I was 10, she was in her 60's. This must have been a challenge! And one for me, too! Imagine having the oldest mom at the teacher's conference! As a child, I didn't understand and I'm sure I hurt her in many ways. I am so sorry, to this day. How could I have been so stupid! She never deserved half the issues that were thrown at her. But she was strong and she survived.

She taught my sisters and me the way to survive, when things get tough. Little did she know how closely we were watching her; how she handled every situation that came along. She took the time to teach us, what we would call the basics; sewing, cooking, cleaning, preserving food for the winter, how to present ourselves and how to conduct ourselves.

And this was only the tip of the ice-berg. So many lessons, only to realize it now! Yes, we were listening!

I look back at the years of raising my family and wonder if the same process will occur. At times, I didn't think I was getting through to my children. I would get goofy looks and snide remarks. This seemed to be a waste of their time. Little did I know, yes, they were listening!

But it took many years for this to blossom out. After they were married and on their own, things started to change. They DID know how to cook, they DID know how to clean, they DID know how to provide for their family, they Do conduct themselves well and they Do pray.

I feel like a proud puffed-up hen! Proud of her family and their accomplishments!