ROOTS AND WINGS

                

A rainy morning and a timely quote from my inbox (thanks, Mr. Quote Man) for a piece I was going to write.........

"There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children.
One of these is roots, the other wings". -- Unknown

Three college girls walked past my house on their way to school this rainy morning. It looked like not even a cold and rainy morning such as this could dampen their conversation which nestled on the subject of the future... their future. Before they went out of sight I was able to grab snippets of their chat with words such as ---- big dreams, leave home, abroad, independent, sad, family ties.....

If their mothers could hear them now I am pretty sure that it would make immeasurably sad their hearts. Although mothers pretty well know that one day soon their kids would grow up and finally leave home. Still when that day comes they don't really let go. At least that's how they would feel in the silence of their hearts.

Something I have heard from my mother as she entertained her buddies over lunch in our house long ago was this --- 'Mothers are just stewards of their children. The kids don't belong to us though we gave birth to them. They belong to God.'

Many years after when it was my turn to leave the nest, I finally understood what she meant. Although it pained her (I could see it in her eyes) to see me go but she let go. Maybe she thought her job was done and I was ready to be on my own. But was I?

Looking back now I can honestly say that maybe I was. Life was tough but I was tougher it seemed. Now I know my mother's thoughts. She knew about life and she made sure that I be equipped for the rush and tumble of a crazy world outside. She did what all mothers do.... she built on character. On this she shaped my roots knowing wisely that I could not depart from it whatever be the challenges. She did not aim to protect me from failure or mistakes or disappointments. Instead she made me understand that it's all part of the landscape of life and living. And she taught me the wisdom of learning to make the right responses towards it, as best as could be managed. She pointed to God as a supreme eternal guide and help comparable to none. She didn't make praying difficult to do... it's easy when you free the heart to speak. Kindness, generosity, compassion, honesty, dignity of labor, faith and trust, and the essential tiny courtesies of life.... among the good stuff she insisted upon. Imperfection was not a crime (nobody is perfect) but excellence a better choice. Best of all she walked her talk. I saw in her life how strength of character makes one come out a winner. One not by human or the world's standards but a winner in the heart of a Magnificent God greatly pleased. I guess that is what truly matters at the end of the day.

So this is what it is ..... ROOTS and WINGS -- gifts a mother alone can give to her child by the work of her mind, hand, heart, and soul enabled by an All-Knowing God. And when her job is done she humbly steps aside ..... and God takes over.

Love your mothers. Nobody else on earth can do what they do.
I miss my mom but I know that she's happy where she is now.

God bless you!! Enjoy your day.