When I was growing up, my mama did a lot of things around the house. She used power tools, repaired furniture, skim coated drywall, decorated cakes, sewed clothes, baked fresh bread, gardened and preserved the harvest, had a family dinner every night, and taught Sunday School.
As I grew up, all these activities were normal to me. It wasn’t a big deal for me to bake bread or sew clothes, it was just something that mamas do. Having a nightly family dinner was just something you DO, it never occurred to me to skip it. When we were done, we cleared the table, washed the dishes and wiped down the counters. We didn’t even think about it, we just did it.
We walked away from stuff when it cost too much even though my dad made good money. Mom’s willingness to walk away and do without, or wait for the right deal made sure they had savings. They paid off their house when I was 9 and never borrowed another dime after that. It built character in me to not have the latest trends and to wait for things. I didn’t appreciate it at the time, but the skill of waiting has served me well as an adult.
We went to church. Every time the doors were open. I never had to ask if we were going. We just did.
My babies came so soon after I married and so close together that I lost some of my good habits—like going to bed early, getting up early, working out consistently, and daily Bible study. Now that life has settled down a little (knock on wood) I’m figuring out how to build these habits back into my day. My first thought was to get up early and do them before my kids are up. That way I can have uninterrupted quiet time (sounds so good!) If I did that, they would never see me do them. And those are the important things that I want them to think are just part of being a mama. Mamas read their Bibles. Mama’s take care of their bodies. Mamas pray.
The habits that I want to be second nature for my kids, the ones I don’t want to be a big deal, just something they DO, those are the things I need to model for them now. They need to see it consistently, day in and day out. Not stressful, not a big deal, just accomplished.
I wonder what my kids will just do and not think about, because it was a normal part of their childhood. I hope using cash is one of them, along with saving up to pay for stuff, being ok with roughing it to pave the way for a bigger goal, and giving to people who are in need.
Very wise words! Glad your life is slowing down a little.
You are just awesome!! I really needed to hear that. Thanks for all you do and share with us it really touches our lives.
Thank you, Wendy! That was so encouraging <3.
I really enjoyed reading that. Thank you for all you do and share with us. You are truly an inspiration!!
One of your very best posts, Angela. You touch so many hearts. Wishing your family a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Well said!
Thank you Angela for the encouraging words about your upbringing and how you are passing it on to your family! Have a wonderful thanksgiving!
I read many of your posts when I have the time. You have the neatest ideas. But just have to tell you this one is so well said in so few words. It really goes to the heart. Thank you Angela, and God bless you and yours.
I love this!
Such a great reminder to think about what I am modeling for my kids and what habits will influence and be ingrained in them. Thank you!!
❤️❤️❤️
So very true about them not seeing the early morning quiet time. Hmmm…food for thought on that one.
I came across your site by accident, but I am very glad that I did! I am a stay at home mom of 3… a daughter that is almost 8, a daughter that is 2 and a son who is 1. I grew up an only child, and my parents were hoarders (though I didn’t know there was a term for it until the tv show came out! ) So, I have found that as an adult and mom, I have horrible habits that for some reason I have a great deal of trouble overcoming! Things like time management, organization, daily meal prep… It just seems impossible to get everything done! And add to that the frustration of just getting anything caught up to a maintainable level, and it just gets worse! After reading through several of your posts, I feel like I have a chance at getting this under control! You really are in inspiration, and I thank the Lord that I found your page! Thank you!
Hi Val! I’m so glad you introduced yourself. I don’t talk about it a lot, but my grandma was a hoarder. It was such a heartache for us and strained family relationships. We now think her mental illness was a result of undiagnosed/untreated Irlen syndrome and knowing it wasn’t her fault helps our memories of her. I absolutely believe you can get a handle on things. Tiny steps and when you get comfortable with that tiny step, take another. I’m rooting for you!