trbccoffeebreak

“Honor your father and you mother so that you may live long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”            Exodus 20:12 (NIV)

Esteeming and honoring those who have spent their lifetimes investing in us should be a no brainer.  Yet often our parents are the ones that clash the most with our sense of independence.  Why?  Maybe it’s because we are too much alike.  Similar personalities when pressed together constantly drive each other crazy.  Maybe it’s because we are too different.  Conflicting views and values that collide can create an environment of disrespect. For me honor involved overlooking faults for the sake of a relationship.  It was praying for dying grace while my dad gasped for his final breaths. It was fixing his last meal and being with him as he slipped into Jesus’ arms.  Honoring my mother is communicating with her almost daily.  It’s listening to her advice and patiently allowing her to tell me the same thing over and over again as if it was brand new.  It’s helping her to see necessary modifications as she ages, yet allowing her the freedom to make those changes gradually.  Honoring our parents isn’t always easy, especially to those who haven’t experienced their love and acceptance.   Feeling cheated and longing for the illusion of the  “perfect family” can keep us disengaged and disconnected.  Regardless of where we fit, God only commands us to forgive and honor the ones He chose for us.  And when we do, He provides the peace and grace to love unconditionally.

“Father, from the moment of conception, you have ordained all of my days.  Thank you for the gift of my parents and the treasure of their love.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Coffee Break