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with my eyes closed or feed a family of ten a hearty meal in less than two hours.

The men in my family taught me "manly" things, like how to saddle a horse, how to bait a hook, and how to drive a nail. One grandfather introduced me to business, although I wouldn't say his skills were exactly stellar. But I did learn customer service from helping in the office at his insurance agency, and from all of the men in my life, I learned how to treat others fairly and politely and that your word is your bond.

I can proudly say that ALL of my parents and grandparents taught me about the Bible and how to love Jesus. I had great examples of faith to follow. If the church doors were open, my parents and grandparents were probably there... and they drug me right along with them! Both of my parents and my grandparents were "people persons" who knew how to carry on a good conversation and how to make people feel important. They were great examples of how to build great relationships, and those lessons have served me well in life. I learned to value education and hard work - and how to love my community and the people in it. My great-grandfather served on a local school board. One of my grandfathers was our town's mayor. My grandmothers and my mother were active in many civic clubs, and my dad served on several boards at our church. My mother and I both became teachers. My parents and grandparents taught me how to give back to my community and those who live in it. They taught me how to reach out to those who need a hand - and a handout... and how to never act as if I am better than anyone else.

The Book of Proverbs has a lot to say about wisdom - and in particular, learning from our parents and grandparents - taking advantage of the wisdom of their life experiences. We read in Proverbs 1:8-9 "My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. (Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States.)

When I was a teenager, I thought that much of what my parents and grandparents said and did was ridiculous. I'm sure I did my share of "eye-rolling." Today, I can't believe that kids can be so stupid. I'm just glad that I was listening PART of the time to the lessons of my parents and grandparents. I'm sure I missed a lot of what they were trying to teach me, but I am grateful for what I did absorb. These people have made me who and what I am today, and their wisdom truly does adorn me like an ornament of grace to my head and chains around my neck... and their jewelry is beautiful.

Learn more about this author, Debbie Robus.
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