Wish I listened when I was young!
My mother was a consummate writer and note taker. She would pick up scripture from a church service, see a compelling catch phrase on a poster, or hear the words of a political leader and write it down.
She would pass these sayings on to us kids, or write a note for our lunch bag. We didn’t really know where they came from, nor likely understood the wisdom
She never kept a journal (that I was aware of). But each of those notes, thoughts, maxims and prayers were written on whatever paper she could find.
She couldn’t bear to let the moment escape so whatever was in her grasp became her “journal.” That meant things like a scrap of paper from a torn flyer, the back of an envelope, a napkin, the church bulletin. You get the picture.
When she was sick and moved to convalescent care, I discovered the treasure trove of her notes in one of her drawers. A rich tapestry of wise nuggets captured just as life gave them to her — raw, spontaneous and honest. No particular order in their filing. Just piled up in the way that life can deliver lessons.
It made me realize that sometimes life will give you a lesson or wisdom, but you may not be in the position to understand or be ready to act on it. The important thing is to pay attention to the lesson, take note and perhaps file it for the time it may be relevant or useful.
And, make sure to write it down!
As I read through those scraps of paper and the notes she had made, her words came flooding back to me. At this time in my life, I was becoming serious about music and songwriting. I took this discovery as something I had to put into a song.
Things My Mother Taught Me
Found a note that was seldom read
Words to live by, things she said.
Written years ago when I was young.
A loving mother to her son.
“Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” she said.
“If you never reach, you’ll never attain.”
“Cast your bread upon the water,” she claimed.
“You’ll discover simple fortunes and fame.”
These are things that my mother taught me, I wish I listened when I was young.
These were things my mother taught me, and I lived a very different one.
Why, oh why, does it work this way? Why, oh why does it work this way?
Some things make more sense once your hair turns gray.
“Nothing’s impossible with God on your side. If you’re in a jam just let him drive.”
“Above all to yourself be true. Just remember, it’s not about you.“
These are things that my mother taught me, I wish I listened when I was young.
These were things my mother taught me, and I lived a very different one.
Why, oh why, does it work this way? Why oh, why does it work this way?
Some things make more sense once your hair turns gray.
And now I’m my mother’s age.
Kids of my own to raise.
I’ll tell em not to play it safe.
But live a life that resonates.
These were things that my mother taught me….
Here’s a clip of the song I played live at a local concert: https://youtu.be/ZoM0lPorwSU
Thanks mom!