“Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise.)” Eph 6:2
Yesterday I left work in tears filled with hurt and anger. I was overtaken with a burden that just tore my heart apart, a pain that hurt for my parents. At times over the years and even until now, I would talk back to my parents, counter what they asked, reply with anger and hesitation, and just plain not listen to them. Now, I know some of that is growing up, but I am not going to pass blame. In fact, I am now 26 and I can no longer pass blame to that journey of adolescence.
The bible instructs us to honor our fathers and mothers. God commands us to honor our parents in order to learn how to honor Him. How could I possibly honor my Father in Heaven if I can’t honor my earthly parents first. I know if you asked them they would both reply with “my daughter has been a great daughter with a few little slip ups here and there :),” but I believe they deserve better, they deserve the best of me, they should receive nothing less than the honor I was created to give them.
Think about it, my Father and Mother have given their lives to three kids. Every waking moment for the past 33 years has been about Josh, Chad and I. My mother would love nothing more than to keep me safe in her arms for the next year, but instead she is doing everything possible to get me out to the mission field so I can obey Gods call. My Father does not share the same faith or beliefs as I do, but yet he helps me clean/pack my tent, purchase the best supplements to keep my health at its best and picks me up at the airport at 11:00 at night after training camp and wants to hear all about it. Those are just a few among the endless displays of their love and dedication to me as my Father and Mother.
If you ask me, God gave them a huge job! They are going to fail sometimes and they are going to succeed sometimes, but one thing I can say firmly about my Dad and Mom is they did the very best they could with what they had and did a good job!. Today I thank God for opening my eyes to the respect a child should have for their parents and the honor I should give to my Father in Heaven. Thank you God for my two amazing parents and all the loved they have poured upon my brothers and I!
