X ~ eXample

    When I take a moment to think of the people who lived their life in such a way that their example inspired me, there are so many different people who come to mind. I won't be able to mention them all today, but I can talk about my biggest example.

     My mother. She was and is an example of contentment, patience, gentleness, kindness, and more.

      I don't remember her ever raising her voice in anger at us children.

      She never complained about things, even when circumstances were complain worthy. For example: Dad started remodeling our upstairs. Totally gutted it. Our downstairs living room and sewing room were serving as a showroom for the furniture he built in our basement woodworking shop. That meant there was only the kitchen left. We crammed all the upstairs furniture into the kitchen. The boys' bed doubled as a place to sit at the table. There were only paths to walk through.

     The remodel took a year instead of the six weeks we thought it would. During that time we had visitors over for meals. Mom never apologized for the way things were.  She simply served them delicious food and good conversation. 

      I know she was happy once the upstairs was complete and she got her kitchen back, but she never murmured or complained about it. 

     She found joy in the little things. She loved singing, she loved writing, she loved reading and learning things, she loved sewing,  she loved gardening, but most of all she loved us.

     I've always said, if I can be even somewhat like my Mom I'll be happy.