Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26
There’s something to be said about wisdom and good advice. There are times when God can give us wisdom by showing us the mistakes of others. There are other times when God will give us advice by speaking through those same people.
My aunt just passed away, but it wasn’t a good-bye. It was a see-ya-later! In the meantime, when we lose someone we love, we can honor them by living life in a way that passes on something good of them.
As I’m sitting here reminiscing, let me share just a few memories and what I’ve learned from my great-aunt with you:
- When she was young and on a long road trip, she would read…and drive. You think that texting is bad? This is the olden days’ equivalent! Also, stop signs were suggestions according to her. If they were put in a place that didn’t make sense, then you don’t need to stop. Terrible advice! However, she also taught me that you can’t control what other people are doing on the road (obviously she knew), so it was better to stay closer to that solid stripe on the right side of your vehicle instead of being closer to the center line. Good advice.
- It’s very important to dry well between your toes after getting out of the shower. Personal experience? Not sure.
- She lost her pointer finger down to her knuckle in an accident. Be careful around machinery. Also, maybe it isn’t the best thing to go on a road trip and point out places of interest with vehicles on both sides while using the next finger as your new pointer finger. Just saying…things learned without a word being spoken.
- I had two favorite books at her house. She eventually gave them to me and now my children have read them. You never know many generations your simple generosity will touch.
- It’s ok to spend an hour and a half eating breakfast. Take breaks often and let the stories roll! Why are we always in such a hurry?
- I enjoyed our hour long phone conversations. She taught through actions about how to listen and support your loved ones. She really did have solid advice.
- As a young girl, I loved to sit in my special seat at her house while she made out her bills and so patiently showed me what she was doing. I was her secretary! I was able to come back as an adult and help her do those bills when she was older. Take the time to show young ones how to do certain tasks; you just may benefit from it years from now!
- As we would walk down her basement steps, she had a poster tacked above that read, “Hang in There, Baby!” We couldn’t make a trip down there without saying it as we went. Great advice!
Whether we cringe or get excited, our reaction to advice usually has to do with who it’s coming from, if it’s coming from a Godly place, if the timing is right, and how it’s given. Unfortunately, there are times when people will use the excuse of giving advice to be condescending, to get someone to do their wishes, or to feel superior. This is when we need to be careful.
It’s always a good thing to let God help us distinguish between good and bad advice since people are human and do make mistakes. It’s best to ask Him to help us sort out what we should let go and what we should hold close to our hearts.
My great-aunt was one of the people who I enjoyed listening to and receiving advice from. I’ve been blessed to have several people that I can’t wait to hear what they have to say. Let me get a notebook! Those pieces of advice are given from a loving place and there is exceptional wisdom behind their words. My prayer for you is that you’ve had people like that in your life. I also hope that you become that person for someone.
Today, take the good you’ve received from others, and honor them by passing it on. Be the person that people want to hold close to their heart, and no matter what happens…“Hang in There, Baby!”
