My Mom is a Teacher

Happy Mother’s Day, dear readers! Instead of sending you flowers or making you breakfast in bed, our gift to you is the following post by guest writer, Karen Brown. Karen is one of my warmest, wittiest, and wisest friends. We bonded in a Hidden Heart class years ago, and she writes an incredible blog titled: Stooping for Manna. Enjoy!

In her kitchen, I didn’t learn much about cooking, but discovered the importance of fun over fussiness.

In her family room, I didn’t learn much about parlor etiquette, but fell in love with family.

In her dressing room, I didn’t learn how to purse my lips or paint my face, but learned to keep smiling at the girl in the mirror.

In her bedroom, I didn’t learn about linen counts or dust ruffles, but was schooled on the dangers of gossip and the way to have a friend is to be one.

In her car, I didn’t learn how to drive on the highway or parallel park, but noticed it was more fun to laugh at my mistakes than cry.

At her parties, I didn’t learn about crystal or polished silver, but had many lessons on how to plan well, include everyone, and have fun.

At her work, I didn’t learn how to climb the ladder of success, but learned the joy of using God’s gifts for His glory.

At her table, I didn’t learn politics or worldviews, but became skilled in carrying a conversation and telling a good story.

At her church, I didn’t learn guilt or shame, but fell in love with tradition, liturgy, and Jesus.

At her side, I didn’t feel “in the way” or a burden, but learned how to work hard and rest well.

So, you can see, my mom is a gifted teacher. And I had the privilege of being one of her students. 

I’m still learning from her every day…

Through her grandmothering, she is teaching me how important it is to be current, healthy, and available.

Through her marriage, she is teaching me how important it is to play and be friends with my husband.

Through her faith, she is teaching me how important it is to be humble, repentant, and faithful.

Through her hobbies, she is teaching me how important it is to keep learning and growing.

She’s a big personality. With a big legacy. Sometimes, I’m afraid that I can’t be the mother for my own kids that she is for me. I worry that I won’t measure up.

But then I remember one more lesson: she didn’t train me to become HER, but always expected me to become the best version of ME. Because that’s how the best teachers make their students feel. I know my sister would agree. She taught us that daughters aren’t for measuring. They are for treasuring. 

Thank you, Mom. Happy Mother’s Day! I love you!

Her children rise up and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women have done excellently,
    but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands,
    and let her works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 31: 28-31

Karen Brown