Every summer, I would spend 2 weeks with my grandparents on their little farm in Northern Alabama. They are true country-folk, and grew up during the Great Depression. My weeks spent with them every summer were full of hard work, like weeding the garden, picking blackberries (and being murdered by the thorns) so my grandma could make jams, and taking care of Princess – their old mare that ruled the pasture. Like anyone from their generation, my grandparents loved a good proverb, and teaching me a life lesson.
Here are 5 of their favorite old time sayings that still ring true!
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
This one is especially important in today’s social media driven world it’s easy to get caught up in “keeping up” with everyone else. “Wow, she won Grand Champion steer – why can’t that be me?”, “Look at how huge her engagement ring is – I wish mine looked like that”, “Oh they just bought a new house – if only we had enough money for a down-payment.” – Be thankful for your blessings / birds-in-hand, rather than chasing after unattainable birds in the bushes!
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link
How many of y’all thought “You are the weakest link, goodbye” when you read that? Or am I showing my age now? Some people may interpret this saying as meaning to cut weak people from your business or organization. However, I prefer to think of it a different way… Most agricultural operations are family businesses; you can’t just fire the weakest link!! – Surround yourself with strong people, elevate those around you, and help them learn and grow stronger.
A stitch in time saves nine
Hello, my name is Ashley, and I am a recovering procrastinator….
During my freshman year of college I used to put things off until the last minute, then have a panic attack trying to get everything done in time. Thank God I grew out of that habit!! Whether your are in the business world, or out on the farm everyday – this saying is truly a key to success. – Take care of things in a timely manner, and you will save yourself a ton of time and effort in the long run!
age before beauty
I love that this phrase has so much weight in the ag industry. Name another industry where elders are as valued and respected? You can get an ag degree from the best university in the nation, but without the guidance and leadership from those who came before us, the struggle would be real. Well, the struggle is real no matter what – running a farm or ranch is HARD, but it is made so much easier through support and guidance from our parents and grandparents.
Pretty is as pretty does
My Grandma used to say this to me all the time, and I would roll my eyes so hard *not very pretty*. But now that I’m older, I’ve realized how true this is. Have you ever met someone you really admired, and then witnessed them treating someone badly, talking behind someone’s back, or having a poor attitude? – Looks fade over the years, but people will remember your attitude and they way you treated them forever!
