April 28, 2012
Today is my parents’ 35th wedding anniversary.
If you know my family and I personally, you also know that we are very close-knit. There aren’t many words that can even begin to touch upon how great an influence my parents have had on me, and even fewer that can describe how much I love them.
So today, for my Friday Five, I thought I’d share five life lessons that they have passed on to me as I make my own journey through life. Limiting them to just five, of course, is a vast oversimplification, but of all the things I have learned from my parents these are a handful that have made me who I am today.
– one –
Don’t take yourself too seriously. Make time to be silly.
Dance in the kitchen, while doing chores… pretty much anytime at all, actually.
Get down on the floor and play with your kids. Have family inside jokes.
Embarrass your teenagers with your enthusiasm for life.
(Their friends will love you for it– and secretly, those embarrassed teenagers are only feigning annoyance.)
– two –
Don’t underestimate yourself, and don’t be afraid to try new things. You are more important than you can possibly imagine, even if you feel small and insignificant.
Never settle for second best.
– three –
Anchor yourself to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
It will be a light in the dark times in your life, and a guide to bring you your greatest happiness in this life and throughout all eternity.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek your own answers.
History will teach you that men are fallible and imperfect, but God is unfailing.
If you seek after His spirit and follow the example of our Savior, you will never be steered wrong.
– four –
Bloom where you’re planted.
Life will lead you down unexpected paths, and often you will find yourself places you may not have chosen on your own. Find the beauty in the environment and people around you wherever you go.
If you choose to look and see, you will find it every time.
– five –
Family is forever.
No matter what else changes around us, family is the one thing that will remain constant.
Home will always be a soft place to land.
No matter how many mistakes we’ve made, no matter how far we’ve fallen, we will always find safety and security in our parents’ arms.
Their love is unconditional.
I love you, Mom and Dad.
Here’s to another 35 years to come.
• • •
And those are my five things for Friday!
♥
Robin
Happy Anniversary, Bob & Brandy! I have many fond memories of you from my childhood. Congratulations!
Heather@Women in the Scriptures
Oh, I love this. I love the old pictures. I especially need to hear #4. Thanks!