My mom was not a religious woman. A woman of faith, yes. But a quiet faith that wasn't flashy or 'in your face.' And through the years of raising her children, six in all, she was known to spout off a zinger, a memorable quote.
One that has come to mean more to me as an adult than as a child is "There but for the grace of God go I." I never fully knew what that meant as a child. Heck, I was a little kid. But, now, as an adult, and as a nurse dealing every day with folks of all kinds, with all sorts of healthcare challenges, I get it. I really get it. And each time I hear myself saying it, whether it be to myself or aloud (not of course within earshot of anyone…), I can feel my heart becoming more empathetic. And grateful. Sounds weird, doesn't it?
Try it sometime. Bet me it works!