I told my mother some of my miseries in life.
She told me, "Man is that he might have joy, and that means woman too!* Always remember that."
From my mother I learned to not live in misery. She supported the choices I needed to end misery, and make important changes.
In my 40s I again sought her wisdom.
She was in her 60s.
I asked her, "If you could change anything in your life when you were my age, what would you do differently?"
Her reply was simple - yet ever so wise . . .
"Take care of my knees."
She pointed out that she sometimes saw me weeding while kneeling on the hard ground or doing things in the house on my knees. She wished she had been wise enough to simply pad and protect her knees when she was younger. She advised, "Never kneel on concrete."
I decided to take care of my knees, and all the rest of my body.
Knees were a simple thing. I have never regretted acquiring good kneeling pads - and using them indoors and out. And I began to use a pillow when I pray. I am still working on taking better care of my physical self. It is an ongoing project and challenge.
Recently I again probed for advice.
This time about the challenges of aging.
I am now in my 6th decade.
Mom is almost 86.
I reminded her of her counsel about knees 20 years ago and asked, "Mom, what would you counsel me about being 62?"
"Slow down!" was her immediate answer.
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| June 2016 photo by Rex Forsyth - making time for what matters |
She said her children and grandchildren rush about here and there, hurrying, always in a hurry to accomplish more sooner.
We take our kids to lessons, we work, we play, and we hurry - constantly on the go.
"Take time to enjoy the things that matter most," she said. "Nothing is more important than your family. Someday they will be gone and you will miss them!"
She ought to know.
Thanks Mom.
Three succinct bits of loving advice:
1. Be Happy,
2. Take care of yourself,
3. Make time for family.
*2Nephi 2:25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.