Ten Things learned from my Mother-in-Law

"The only thing I leave behind worth anything is the impact of my life in other people". Tim Stevens

My mother-in-law Naomi Arlington passed away this week at age 89. Yesterday at her funeral I shared something I wrote to her ten years ago: The Ten Things I learned from Naomi.

1.     I’ve learned from Mema that it’s possible to make enchiladas and hot sauce much better than Pulido’s or Pace. I wondered for many years if there was a secret ingredient for her recipes. I finally figured it out. She does …. it’s called love.

 

2.     I’ve learned from watching Mema how to love my own grandchildren. She’s shown Sue and I that kids don’t care if you’re old as long as being with you is also fun.

3.     I’ve learned from Mema the importance of “doing the rehab”. Whether it was recovering from a surgery or other setbacks, instead of feeling sorry for herself Mema asks “What do I need to do to recover?” and then goes about the tasks of doing it.

4.     I’ve learned from Mema to be happy with whatever God gives me. I’ve never heard Mema say “I wish I had what she has.” Mema shows me that the most important things in life are not things.

5.     I’ve learned from Mema that good fortune is having good friends. Ones that stay by your side because they just plain like you. Mema is easy to like!   

6.     I’ve learned from Mema that a piece of ham, sauerkraut, green peas, applesauce and a pear on cottage cheese can make a meal … albeit an unusual meal … but a great meal nonetheless.

7.     I’ve learned from watching Mema the meaning of Apostle Paul’s thorn in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Despite a loss of hearing capacity, God’s grace has always been sufficient for Mema.

8.     I’ve learned from Mema the importance of choosing to have a positive outlook on life each and every day. Watching Mema taught me that attitude is a choice. And Mema always chooses to be happy.

9.     I’ve learned from Mema the importance of living a life of faith in Jesus Christ. Without her foundation of faith, the loss of Frank, Morris and other family and friends would have been unbearable.

10.  I’ve learned from Mema that God acts through you, not for you. Instead of asking and waiting for God to give her what she wants, Mema consistently performs acts of kindness for others.