Mom was SO right!

 

     Growing up on the farm in North Dakota, we did not have much contact with people outside our little community.  Most of the families had the same name, either Jensen or Rogness!! But the fact that we were so isolated, living ten miles from town, (and that was FAR in the early thirties), did not keep us from the temptations of this present world.  Somehow, the world began to creep into our lives, causing worldly thoughts and actions to take over our minds.  Yes, we only had a battery operated radio, but even then, the shows we listened to, began to take our thoughts away from the simple, Godly life which my parents wanted for us.  Mom would often say, “ No, you cannot listen to that program”.  I do not even remember what those programs were, but we did NOT listen to them.

    My memory of those days was of my Mother, working from early dawn to dark, cooking meals for her increasing family, ( I was number three, followed soon by two, three, four siblings). Laundry was done on an open tub in the back yard, and finally in a gas operated machine, hung out to dry on a line, clean and fresh.  Ironing day was completed by heating the base of the iron on the wood stove, ironing the endless clothing for the family, plus the sheets, pillowcases, and dish towels..(never understood that). Meals were prepared from 'scratch' on the wood stove, always nourishing and delicious!! The home was kept clean and neat, hard to do with a dirt yard and seven children. No complaining from my Mom!!

   The example set by her hard work to maintain her family was and is a constant  example of what a Mother really should be.  Besides the hard work, clean house, and pleasant attitude, my Mom taught us by example, to trust in a God who cares for His children just like she cared for us.  At the time, I did not recognize that part of my Mother’s life.  Looking back, I can see her quiet lessons being taught through her actions before the family.  She, and my Dad, always made a trip to the school house on Sunday.  This was where the Morning Worship was being conducted.  Whether by sled in winter, or by wagon, and later in a car, we always attended that meeting.

    During these years of the Great Depression, we often answered the door to find a hungry person, offering to work for some food.  My Mom never turned anyone away, even though she struggled to feed her family.  Being on the farm there was  provisions for something to eat from her garden, and always milk and eggs from her cows and hens. And always fresh baked bread from the wood stove oven!!  Dad would sometimes have them do a small task, but often these people would only receive food and leave with a blessing from my parents.

   Yes, my Mother was SO right!  Love your neighbor as yourself!! What a perfect example to set before your children.  Do unto others as you would have them do to you!  Do the work set before you, do it correctly with love, and serve the Lord with all your heart!

(to be continued)