Quotes and Sayings

This week I decided since 2017 is drawing to a close, I would list some quotes and sayings that have stayed with me over the years. Some of them I’ve come across over time.

Years ago I read this: “You are the master of the unspoken word. But once it passes your lips, you become its slave.” Not a bad way to remind us to think before we speak.

Not long ago I was watching a program about a teenage girl who had fibbed to her mother concerning where she had been. As the girl was looking at the compass her dad had received from his father, her mother told her we all have an internal compass that tells us what is right and what is wrong - we just have to learn how to follow it.

This small piece of advice is good for not only teens to remember but for all of us. Teens especially are often faced with making choices about who to go somewhere with or places to go and activities. Peer pressure can make those decisions difficult.

Parents need to remember it’s okay to be the “bad guy” for their children. It’s okay for your child to use you and your rules to get out of not doing something or going somewhere they don’t want to have a part of because they know deep down it’s wrong. Let them make you their reason.

A mother, when her teenage son asked her for permission to go with some boys, told him no. His comment was, “You are not my friend.” Her answer was, “You are right. I’m not your friend, I’m your mother.” She went on to tell him that when he had graduated from high school and on his own, then they could be friends.

Right she was. As our children are growing up, we are their parents - not their friends. It’s our job - our duty and obligation - to teach them right from wrong.

My Dad and I talked together all the time. He taught me many things. One of them was that the day you quit learning, you are dead. He said it was important to always keep learning. Whether it was learn how to do something you never knew how to do or how to improve the way you do your job.

He also told me that when you are hired to work for eight hours, you make sure you work eight hours - not seven and a half. And if your boss asks you to stay a little longer, you stay because it shows that you take your work seriously.

Dad said you can always find a job as long as you are willing to work. No, it may not be exactly what you are looking for, but it will do until you find what you want. He emphasized that the person who is willing to work will always have a job.

Take a few minutes to share with your family quotes that have helped you.