My mother used to irritate me to no end. I remember talking with my brother about how many times she had reminded us throughout the years to close the downstairs freezer tight. I don’t remember ever leaving it loose or open but nonetheless we were always told to make sure we closed it tight. (Usually via Mom’s screaming at us from the upstairs while we were finding what she had sent us for downstairs)

It makes total sense to me now because Mom had that freezer packed to the gills with food for our family. If you left that freezer open even one time the thawed mess of food may not be discovered for days or weeks. This was our second freezer and we didn’t dig in it on a regular basis. It seems worth all of the reminders and screaming at us now.

The other thing that drives me nuts about my Mom is that she is a worry wort. If she does not hear from me on a regular basis her mind goes into hyper-drive thinking the very worst has happened to me.

I am the exact opposite. I have no fear. I also am very connected with God and do not worry unless He nudges me and then I pray instead.

I see worry as a thief of joy and peace. I could worry nonstop about my children but I don’t, I just pray and thank God for the protection He has given them over the years.

The other day I was talking to my mother as I went on a long walk in the evening. I disconnected with her at the end of my walk because I wanted to chat with a neighbor of mine. When I got home she called again to make sure I had returned home safely. In the past I would have been irritated. Sometimes I feel as if my mother hasn’t noticed that I have grown up and I feel as if she treats me like I am still a child.

This time was different. I thanked her for checking on me and I told her how sweet I thought it was for her to call and check on me. I really was touched by her concern.

Recently my daughter has started complaining about the constant reminders I give her to turn off the lights. She has forgotten several times and I have had to crawl out of bed to make sure my house is not lit up at night time. When she fusses at me for my constant reminders I remember the irritation I have had with my Mom. She asks me why I keep reminding her. I could tell her that it is because she has left the lights on several times and she needs the reminders but I don’t. I think back to my mother and a smile crosses my face and I say, “Moms just do that.”