Lessons from Aunt Grace
Years ago when I was in the doldrums over moving to a new city, starting life over in a new marriage, and feeling unsure about choices I’d made I ran across an article in an issue of Reader’s Digest, (July 1984) titled “Lessons From Aunt Grace,” by Nardi Reeder Campion.
The author talked about the influence her Aunt Grace had had on her as a child when the elderly woman moved in with Nardi’s family during her elderly years. And then she related that years later when an adult herself, Nardi discovered her aunt’s diary in a box of memorabilia. As she paged through the worn book, she was surprised to see how Grace had poured out her feelings on paper about a very difficult time as a young woman when the love of her life died in battle during World War I. They were never to be married and raise a family together.
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The more Nardi read, the more wisdom she found in a simple set of precepts her aunt had written for herself while living with Nardi’s family. These precepts made such an impression on Nardi that she decided that if they could help Aunt Grace change her attitude about her situation, maybe she could do the same about the difficulties she was going through in her life. And as I read I realized I also could change my attitude and take heart from Aunt Grace’s lessons.
Here they are and I hope they bless you as they have blessed Aunt Grace’s niece and me and all the people I have shared them with over the years. My comments are in italics following each precept.
- Do something for someone else. (Something that requires sacrifice or inconvenience, not just responsibility).
- Do something for yourself. (Nurture yourself in a specific way that will bring you joy and peace–painting, knitting, getting a manicure or a massage, etc.)
- Do something that needs doing that you don’t want to do. (Something that will give you a sense of satisfaction–such as cleaning out a closet or packing up items you no longer need and donating them to someone who can use them).
- Do a physical exercise. (You don’t have to run a marathon. Just take a walk or do a set of stretching exercises).
- Do a mental exercise. (Read a book, study a passage in the Bible, work a puzzle).
- End each day with an original prayer of thanksgiving. (Turn your heart and mind to gratitude–regardless of the circumstances).
Practice these precepts in any way that works for you, whether daily or weekly or at random and see if they brighten a cloudy day and leave a bit of sunshine on others too.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NIV)
Beautiful content Karen and well said too. These are wonderful guides for us all to be more loving, present and grateful. I truly appreciate your weekly messages that give me inspiration and food for thought and action. You are a true blessing in my life dear friend and you are loved.
Thanks for your dear words, Kathleen. You are a loyal and loving friend. So glad you are in my life.
“Aunt Grace” was a very wise woman. Those are precepts that all of us can learn from. I have found that when put into practice they are very effective. Thanks again Karen for sharing your insights with us.
Thank you, Etta Mae. I loved running into you at the symphony on Sunday.
I was blessed to have you share these sage words with me a few years back and incorporating them into my daily routine continues to buoy and bless me — and others as well I pray!
Thanks, Glenda. It’s wonderful to know you are still incorporating these precepts into your life. I look forward to seeing you soon in La Jolla. I’ll text you with details.
WONDERFUL ! Such words of wisdom. They are worth reading often. Thank you, Karen, for sharing these words of wisdom.
In reading my Journals while writing my book I was reminded of a lot of words of wisdom that I had gained by listening to older people. I like the quotation: “wisdom comes from listening” and I wish I knew to whom to give the credit for this very true statement. I have profited by it,
Thanks again for this blessing. Love, Margaret
Thanks, Margaret. The quote you mentioned is a great one. I remember mu mother was a good listener.
Aunt Grace sounds like a wise, and courageous woman. Thank you for passing along the wisdom her niece wrote about in 1984. Well said, words to give hope and meaning to life’s challenges. Thank you Karen!
Thank. you, Carol. I always appreciate your comments.
Great wisdom from Aunt Grace (and your comments, as well!) I cherish your wisdom in my life, Karen. love, Heidi
Thanks, Heidi, for your kind words.
I read the RD article – copied two pages out of it. Would love to find the whole article again.