My mother is the kind of woman who was constantly giving unwanted wisdom. She would stick her nose in everywhere and tell me what I was doing wrong. I used to get so irritated with her.

Now I wish I had listened more to her. She was not always right but she had a lot of good pointers. Thank God she is still alive and alert enough that I can ask her about things. She doesn’t always remember but most of the time she gives appropriate answers to my questions.

Although she was an overwhelming source of advice on everything under the sun, one thing she was not, was someone who could take advice.

Recently when my brother’s wife left him, I found her being very negative about the outcome. I actually spoke up and texted her not to agree with negative projections because they were from the devil.

I didn’t think she would listen but she did! She started getting on my brother about his negativity. She still would go on and on some days about how awful the divorce was but I have become an expert at changing subjects and she is easily redirected.

I know that my children often tell me things which I take to heart because they know me better than anyone else. I listen and appreciate it if it is wisdom and tell them to “Knock it off” if it is just nagging.

I think wisdom is a seed which can be planted in the fertile soil of maturity by not only parents but also children. I am blessed to have a whole garden of wisdom plants in my life.