For my inner GPS.
My mother always tried to guide my steps, God bless her soul. Mostly, she did so by way of phrases commonly known and widely used in the Cuban household. Sometimes I pretended not to listen, but for the most part, me aconsejaba, and I would follow her advice. I can still hear her: “Consuelo, no te mates limpiando la casa, que ella se queda y uno se va.” Don’t kill yourself cleaning the house, that it stays and we go. One of my favorites. Not only because it has to do with cleaning less (ha, ha), but because she would associate the “it stays and we go” to everything that is material. And there’s nothing truer. When it came to my health, her go-to was “Consuelo, llévate el sueter.” Like if sweaters are 100% effective against colds. Please, everybody knows it’s only 97%. ? But yeah, that one’s so ingrained in my head that I don’t leave home without a sweater, EVER. Eighty degrees, sweater in hand.
Whenever I would dismiss her advisory phrases, she’d follow with “Mas sabe el diablo por viejo que por diablo.” The devil knows more for old than for devil. Her way of saying suit yourself. Mom’s wisdom behind her advice has been the stepping-stones along my life’s path. So many of her phrases pop in my mind at any given moment, I swear she resides in a piece of real estate in my brain she must have bought when she got to heaven. Today is Mom’s birthday, by the way. The fourth one since her passing. I miss her more every year.
Not to take anything away from Mom, but the voice I wish I could hear loud and clear is God’s. I pray to Him for guidance all the time, and I pray He guides my kids most of all, because I don’t think we’ve ever been in greater need of that. His voice, however, is not as loud as Mom’s is, and it’s a very noisy world out there. It’s been my experience, though, that the more acquainted we are with Him, the louder the reception. Since He doesn’t show up in any unmistakable manner we choose so we can easily discern his direction, we have to make it a point to be still and tune in. Just so happens, Lent began yesterday. Perfect time to practice this.
For my inner GPS (Mom and God), and for every time I am able to hear or feel their voice, today and always, I am grateful.
Speaking of Lent, ever had the ashes put on you with a Q-tip? Lent in the time of Corona. Made for a very unique start to this season. Have a blessed one. ✝️
What are you thankful for today?
Until next Thursday’s post…si Dios quiere.
“Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your
Truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you
all day long.”
-Psalm 25:4-5
“Turns out that washing your hands, maintaining personal hygiene, being considerate of other’s personal space, and covering up when you cough or sneeze… Basically everything my Mom taught me when I was a kid… is what will save the world.”
-Steve Maraboli
“My mother does not own my hands, though she works hard to train them.
My mother does not own my eyes, though she frequently directs their focus.
My mother does not own my mind, though she yields great influence upon it. My heart, however, she owns completely, for it was hers the day I was born.”
-Richelle E. Goodrich
Great one to honor her today on her BDay.
Yes, I always have a sweater with me. Lol
Happy Birthday to Madre we miss you. We are here for you Consuelito. Its your turn to be the rock of the family.
This one hit close to home, made me think and remember my own Mother and all of her sayings, which continue to guide me every day too. Happy birthday to your Mom in Heaven! Thank you Connie for being part of our inner GPS with your beautiful guidance. Blessings!
Very beautiful post, Connie, on a very special day. Our Moms are always with us and they continue to advise us and guide us and, most of all, LOVE us….and, oddly enough, we are all much like our Moms.
I’m positive that both, your Mom and God, are most proud of you. Thank you, Connie for always sharing!
Happy birthday to your mom in heaven. Hope she is partying with all her dearly departed loved ones.
Your Mom is your special angel watching over you. I’m certain she is so very proud of you. Thank you for sharing this special day with us and blessing us with your posts.
Happy Birthday to your mom! I totally get you. My mom has been gone for twenty- eight years, but those saying pop up in my mind unexpectedly and at the right moment. Their memories live in out hearts forever.
I’ve heard that the more we get to know God through his word, the easier it is to hear and feel Him in our lives. Thank you for this post and God Bless you and your family!
Ah, amiga, this one made me laugh and cry. So so true. Beautiful post. Big hug.
Hi Connie,
Thank you for sharing some of your Mom’s great advice. My Mom did the same thing, she had so many wise sayings that to this day, we mention often. Our Mom’s were so wise that I still hear her advices in my mind. Here are a couple that come to mind.
El que no puede andar, se sienta. If you can’t afford to do something or travel somewhere, too bad!
Machete quédate en tu vaina. Mind your own Business! Or, Better keep my comments to myself!
Edna
Loved your post Connie. Nice to honor your mom on her day and always. Our parents may leave us, but they are always with us. ?
One of your favorite sayings reminded me of one my dad’s: “si trabajas para vivir, ¿por qué te matas trabajando?” (If you work to live, why do you kill yourself working? Basically, balance is the key in everything we do no? ?
BTW, as I was reading your message above, I almost felt as if I was reading something written by my son. So much of what you said, he has said to me so many times. He loves those old sayings, and yes, he asked me to write them all down for him, and I do, every time I remember one that I may have inherited from my parents. ? I have about 150 of them already.