Thoughts by Pastor Brian

“Life Lessons”  

My child, listen to when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain around your neck. (Proverbs 1:8-9)  

A gracious woman gets honor ... (Proverbs 11:16)  

When I was growing up, we didn’t live close to our relatives so we rarely spent Christmas with them (if I recall correctly, it was only twice). It didn’t mean we spent Christmas alone – far from it. What my Mom and Dad did, was invite others over for Christmas who were in the same boat as us. That was one of the many lessons my Mom (and Dad) taught me – look for people who are alone on special occasions and invite them over. This “Life Lesson” is something Rachel and I have applied into our lives.  

While living in Saskatchewan, I was part of a provincial committee for the Mennonite Brethren Church. On this committee was a retired lady and we became friends. After a couple of years, she left that committee and I realized she taught me a “Life Lesson” – that you can be just as passionate and active in serving Jesus through your “retirement” years, you were in your pre-retirement. That’s a lesson I intend to implement when I retire – which is way down the road.  

These are but 2 “life lessons” that shape how I do life. Many of you also have had ladies – whether married or not – give you life lessons that have shaped you. As we approach Mother’s Day, I thought it would be appropriate for us to share some of these life lessons with each other. It’s a great way of honoring these influential ladies in our lives.  

What are some “Life Lessons” you have learned from the Ladies in your life?