My grandmother lived on a big cattle farm out in the country. Every summer, I would spend a couple of weeks there with all my cousins. It was always an adventure. We would run around from dusk until dawn, exploring, fishing, and trying not to get into too much trouble. Some of my best childhood memories were spent on that land.
In addition to having fun with my cousins, I always loved spending time with my grandmother. She was pretty country and knew how to make the best biscuits in the world. She was funny and quick-witted and was always teaching us stuff. She had some incredible sayings that have stuck with me to this day. I’m sure every grandparent used these sayings to teach their grandchildren. Here are 5 lessons from grandparents that we need to remember.
1. If you get in the mud with pigs, you’ll start to smell like one.
As a kid, I just thought she was saying this because I smelled bad. But as I grew, I had many situations where people said things about me, my family, or my church, and each time, I was reminded of this old saying from my grandmother. It taught me to keep my head high and not stoop to their level. If I get down to their level, I am just like them.
2. Many hands make short work.
The obvious lesson in this old saying is that we can get a job done quicker when we have more people. Having more hands-on jobs reduces everyone’s workload. A great lesson I take from this saying is not to try to do everything on my own. Ask for help when you need it, set aside your pride, and be willing to work well with others.
3. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.
Honey represents sweetness, whereas vinegar represents bitter, unpleasant behavior. When I worked at a rental car store in college, I had to tell myself this saying all the time. When a customer was upset, I could usually resolve the issue much quicker when I was kind and gracious instead of defensive or rude. We can all be a little more kind.
4. You can’t unring a bell.
This saying reminds us that once something happens, you cannot undo it. Our words and actions cannot be taken back, and we must think before we speak or act. We can all right wrongs after a mistake, but this saying reminds us to always be mindful with our words and actions.
5. Can’t never could.
This means that if you believe you can’t do something, you will never be able to accomplish it. Don’t have a defeatist attitude. When we think we can’t do something, it stops us from trying to do it. You have to stay positive and know that you can, even if it makes you nervous. Attitude affects your effort, your resilience when you fail, and your confidence to perform.
Sound off: What are some other lessons from grandparents that we need to remember?
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What is one thing you have learned from your grandparents?”