Most beautiful things in life come by two and threes, by dozens and even hundreds.  Plenty of stars, sunsets, rainbows, flowers, and friends—but most of us are privileged to have only one mother in the whole world.  There is no influence so powerful as a mother…with limitless patience, continual encouragement and unswerving love…and for those six little words that help us through so many trying times:  “because I said so, that’s why.”

A mother makes life special…the moments of love and laughter, the traditions and memories we will carry with us throughout our lives, and most of all, a Mother shows the true meaning of love in everything she does.

As Mother’s Day approaches, a dog-lover friend recently browsed through her Mother’s memory album, and found this poem on which she had written,  “How blessed I am to be a mother… even though I sometimes hide in the bathroom to be alone!  I am learning to appreciate mud puddles, dandelions and hairy creatures called dogs, thanks to my wonderful children.”

 

                MUD PUDDLES, DANDELIONS, AND DOGS

When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are going to take over my garden.

My kids see flowers for Mom and blowing white fluff to wish on.

When I see a bedraggled, old homeless guy, and he smiles at me, I figure he wants something.

Kids see someone smiling at them, and they smile back.

When I feel wind on my face, I worry about it messing up my hair.

My kids close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall down laughing.

When I pray, I say ‘thee’ and ‘thou’ and ‘grant me this, give me that’.

My youngest always says, “Hi, God!  Thanks for all my toys and my friends,

and for my new puppy and especially for my Mom who puts up with the messes that  we make.”.

When I see a mud puddle, I step around it.  I see muddy shoes and dirty carpets.

My kids splash in it with the puppy, happily anticipating hours of fun.

When I see a starving, frightened dog standing by the side of the road,

I think of my clean car, and hope that “some Good Samaritan” will help him.

The kids see a wonderful, beautiful, loyal companion and insist that WE are the “Good Samaritans” sent to rescue him.

I wonder if Mothers are given kids to teach or learn from?   No wonder God loves the little children!

I have learned to enjoy the little things in life, knowing that one day,   I will look back and realize they were the big things.

I am so blessed to have learned and hopefully have taught my children:

• Life is too short to waste it on petty things.  And it is petty to think you have to win every argument.  Forgive everyone everything.
• Never compare your life to others.  You have no idea what their journey is about, and envy is a waste of time.  You already have all you need.
• Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful, or joyful.
• Forgive everyone everything…in five years it won’t matter that the puppy ruined your carpet, your couch, and half your shoes.   He will grow up to become the love of your life.
• Enjoy your family, both two legged and four legged.  Miracles are waiting everywhere!
• ENJOY MUD PUDDLES, SUNNY YELLOW DANDELIONS, AND   UNCONDITIONALLY LOYAL DOGS!