PARENTS’ DAY (Exodus 20:12)

“Honour thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land

which the Lord thy God giveth thee”

Exodus 20:12

Were you aware the US celebrates Parents’ Day in July?  I didn’t know that until recently, however, despite my lack of awareness, I celebrated my parents while they were alive. 

I messed up, of course, at times, repented to God and to my parents, then did my best to honor and let them know how much I loved them!

I was speaking with an old classmate of my mom’s recently and he mentioned his birthday was coming up next week.  I said I hoped he was going to do something special for his birthday.  He mentioned last year was a milestone birthday for him, and he had asked for a celebration, but it didn’t happen.  As sorry as I was to hear that, I encouraged him to celebrate himself.

He said, “I think my family believes they have time to celebrate me, but I won’t be here forever.”

His statement broke my heart and made me think about the countless parents who long to spend time with their children, other family members and loved ones.  One day, we will all grow old, if God allows us to live that long.  Did you know that the commandment to honor our parents comes with a promise from God that He will give us “long life.” (Exodus 20:12)

The Bible teaches us to treat others as we would have them to treat us. (Matthew 7:12)

May I ask each of us to examine ourselves…the way we speak to others…the way we honor our parents…the amount of time we spend with them.  We may not always agree with them, but we can still be agreeable and make a commitment to respect and honor them.

Please join me in honoring and celebrating parents today!