Welcome to my eclectic journey of my life and delights. This year my theme is surrendering my writing pen to the true author, Jesus Christ, while looking forward to the future, reflecting on the past and dancing through my journey.




Saturday, May 7, 2011

Mothers Through the Generations





I know each generation believes that they can improve on past generations parenting....just go to your library and read the titles of shelves and shelves of how-to-books on parenting.   A recent study came out debunking past methods of discipline, possible leaving many mothers with guilt trips for having followed past generations, while opening the door to arrogance in this new generation of mothers.  I shake my own head at how the advice has changed from my first born 27 years ago to my last baby 5 years ago.  


No matter what the new promoted training method maybe  in each generation the heart of all mothers remain the same.  Just ease drop on public conversations...very easy now days when everyone is talking on their cell phone in public and you hear the familiar.  No matter the nationality, color of the skin or economic background a mother's conversations with her children are familiar to us all. The common bond of a mother's love links all generations.

Today I want to share a piece written in 1921...I have saved the author to the end as a surprise.
Happy Mother's Day

Are You Your Children's Confidant?
September 1921
     A letter from my mother, who is seventy-six years old, lies on my desk beside a letter from my daughter far away in Europe.  Reading the message from my mother, I am a child again and longing unutterable fills my heart for Mother's counsel, for the safe haven of her protection and the relief from responsibilities which trusting in her judgment always gave me.
     But when I turn to the letter written by my daughter, who will always be a little girl to me no matter how old she grows, then I understand and appreciate my mother's position and her feelings toward me.
    Many of us have the blessed privilege of being at the same time mother and child, able to let the one interpret the other to us until our understanding of both is full and rich.  What is there in the attitude of your children toward yourself that you wish were different?  Search your heart and learn if your ways toward your own mother could be improved.
     In the light of experience and the test of the years, can you see how your mother might have been more to you, could have guided you better?  Then be sure you are making the most of your privileges with the children who are looking to you for love and guidance.  For there is, after all, no great difference between generations; the problems of today and tomorrow must be met in much the same way as those of yesterday.
     During the years since my mother was a girl to the time when my daughter was a woman, there have been many slight, external changes in the fashions and ways of living, some change in the thoughts of the world, and much more freedom in expressing those thoughts.  But the love of mother and child is the same, with the responsibility of obedience and respect on the other.
     The most universal sentiment in the world is that of mother-love.  From the highest to the lowest in the scale of humanity, and all through the animal kingdom, it is the strongest force in creation, the conserver of life, the safeguard of evolution.  It holds within its sheltering care the fulfillment of the purpose of creation itself.  In all ages, in all countries it is the same - a boundless, all-enveloping love; if necessary, a sacrifice of self for the offspring.
     Think of the number of children in the world, each the joy of some mother's heart, each a link connecting one generation with another, each a hope for the future....
    It stuns the mind to contemplate their number and their possibilities, for these are the coming rulers of the world: the makers of destiny, not only for their own generation but for the generations to come.  And they are being trained for their part in the procession of time by the women of today.  Surely, "The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world."
Laura Ingalls Wilder - The Rediscovered Writings
She started writing for journals at the age of 45 and started her "Little House in the Prairie" series at age 65.

25 Joining in with more words:

Rebecca said...

What an interesting piece of written reflections! Mostly I was surprised (and encouraged) to know she began writing her Little House series at age 65! I've got three years to hone my skills!

Debbie said...

What a wonderful work to share, and for me, soooo very timely. I have had a couple of issues in these last couple of days that hsve me look LONG and hard at these feelings. It is sooo very hard to let go of your children. In many ways, you never really do I have found. They are "your babies" forever. Your need to protect, guide, love (or beat over the head,haha) just NEVER ends. And truthfully? It really HAS made me look at my own relationship with my mother and understand it soo much better. Laura Wilder was very wise indeed! Have a wonderful, wonderful Mother's Day Janette. Just wanted to tell you that I think you are an awesome mom, doing a wonderful job, and your kids are blessed indeed! HUGS

Vee said...

Very special, thought-provoking piece. Thank you for sharing it. Have a very happy Mother's Day!

(Yes, I think of the differences in parenting styles every time I care for my grands. I actually am quite in favor of one of the current ones— Dr. Lehman's.)

Christine said...

Motherly advice and love is timeless.
Either from a mom or to a daughter.
Thank you for sharing this enduring piece from Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Happy Mothers Day!

Tanna said...

Beautiful post. Just beautiful! Happy Mother's Day, Janette!! blessings ~ Tanna

no spring chicken said...

Thank you for one more reason to love that woman! I am blessed to have not only my mother but my sweet grandmother, showing me how my mother responds to being daughter. Won't it be grand to add another generation with granny still around? I'm still praying for yours and mine.

blessings, Debbie

So, I Begin this Journey...... said...

Janette, what a beautiful writing to share with us in celebration for Mother's Day!! Tears and smiles.... and of course it makes me think of my very own mother.

Have a wonderful Mother's Day.... enjoy each and every moment.... but isn't every day Mother's day?!!

xoxo
Lis

Lisa said...

I love stories of women who get a late start. I can so identify with them. This is a beautiful post Janette. Thank you for sharing it with us. Your posts are always so poignant.
PS Have the best Mother's Day ever!!!

Sharon said...

I really appreciated this post. It made me stop and ponder many things (and you know that I love pondering!!)

One thing that came to my mind was how often I consulted books on how to parent. Which often led to confusion and guilt. (Mother guilt - is there anything so terrible???)

All too often we fail to consult The Book - the Word of God - which contains the best *advice* on everything!

I think what I treasure most about my relationship with my grown sons is this - we can be honest with each other. That honesty, coupled with respect, has led to the ability to communicate openly. I think that's what I love the most - that my adult sons are now also my friends.

Hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day, Janette - you certainly deserve one. And may God richly bless you with His "Well done!"

GOD BLESS!

Debbie said...

This is beautiful, and I actually guessed within a sentence or two who had authored it.

I'm a freaky Laura fan and have two collections of her work beyond the "Little House" books.

She was truly a wonderful and insightful woman, and a God fearing and loving one to boot.

This was wonderful, and I'm so glad you shared it!

Trisha said...

First, Janette, I must have that photo!! :) Oh how sweet and where did you ever find it???

These words are lovely, and it reminds me of the caution from Proverbs to know the state of our flocks. It's such hard work, but I'm thankful for that honor and privilege to know my children and talk with them about anything.

Thank you for this sweet encouragement.

Happy Mother's Day!

Sandy said...

I love this and the picture is
darling. Mothering is hard work
but I wouldn't trade it for any-
thing. I am so blessed and thankful
to know Shaun and Seth and have them
as part of my heart.
Again...Happiest of days to you
tomorrow!
Hugs,
Sandy

Lorie said...

This is a wonderful post, very encouraging in a number of ways.

Happy Mother's Day!

Jessica Heights said...

This is a lovely letter!

Simple Home said...

I've never read this before, and I love her! Thank you so much for sharing, and...
Happy Mother's Day!!
Blessings,
Marcia

Finding Joy said...

Happy mothers day:)

Nikki (Sarah) said...

what a great read.....Happy Mother's Day to you...the best one ever.

Crickit said...

What a wonderful post Janette! AND I loved the picture! Thank you for sharing this and Happy Mother's Day to you!

A multi-dimensional life said...

Whew! This was emotional for me!
And I'm struck at the wavelength we have in common (once again)- today with the written word!
I hold so precious the written words of my mother! Reading her words, I too become a child again!
I had a wonderful realtionship with my mom - but oh, how I wish time had not passed so quickly...oh how I miss her.
Yes, the one thing that doesn't change is the common bond of a mother's love!
I hope your mother's day is filled wtih all the blessings you deserve!!! xo

Sue said...

One word Janette! AWESOME!!

so blessed today, I have been absent from blogging but wanted to come by and wish you a most blessed and happy Mother's Day.
Hugs,
Sue

Anonymous said...

Laura Ingalls Wilder was an inspiration. Just imagine, as a child she traveled in covered wagons, and then in later life, cars! She was a marvel.

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

Wonderful blog...
Great post, loved the Little House series.
So happy to have found you!
xoxo~Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings...

Cecilia Marie Pulliam said...

Beautiful, encouraging words. I too am blessed to have both my mother and a daughter. Thanks for the post. As they say, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Leslie @ Farm Fresh Fun said...

Well you knew I'd love this! ;-) But I've loved ALL your posts. I'm sorry I can't keep up as fast as I'd like these days, but please know your's is always the first blog I visit! You're better than a warm cup of coffee. Thanks for always helping me reconnect with what's important!
Hope you were spoiled yesterday!
xoxo
Leslie
ps-my giveaway is FINALLY up - hope YOU win!

Crown of Beauty said...

I love the picture you posted at the top of this post, Janette, and the letter written by Laura was absolutely beautiful.

This post was so special. You are in a privileged place to be a mother of children ages 27 to 5.

With all the experiences we have had while living here on earth, I am so excited to see what heaven will be like, when many mothers will be reunited with their children.

You are right, each generation has its own unique story to tell.

Thank you for this great post. What a blessing, what a confirmation!

Love
Lidj

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