Solitude with the Father

Christmas is over, the new year has begun. Usually, I have a let down the days that follow. Not because of the lack of gifts or not getting what I want, but it’s over so fast. There is so much anticipation, and preparation,  and in it’s over in one day.

This time is different in many respects, my emotions have been through a lot of ups and downs, but this has also been the best Christmas ever. Not because of the gifts received but because of the one gift that was given to my parents.

My husband has been doing a series in our Sunday school about being biblical care givers to our parents. For two weeks we talked about honoring them. We looked at the Ten Commandments and smack dab in the middle of all the “do nots” is number five, “Honor your father and mother”. Later on scripture says “so that it may go well with you”.  Strange? With all the “big” commandments, God holds honoring our parents with the same importance. Honoring is not a choice but a command.

My husband and I decided that on Christmas we would present my parents with a certificate that honored their fifty years of service to the body of Christ.  It was awesome to sit down and think of all the ways they ministered to the church body through volunteering. The tears rolled down my cheeks as I remembered not only what they do now, but what they did when I was growing up and even before I was born.

The question could be asked, “What about those who have a lousy parent or parents?” I thought about that too, for I know of a few and you can read about those parents in the paper. Maybe you’re one who had an abusive parent. I’ll be honest with you; I can’t answer that question only God can. Perhaps it’s just the simple fact that they gave you life instead of terminating the pregnancy (You are very special to God and He has great plans for you) but again only God can give you the way(s) you can honor that parent.

My husband’s parents are both gone so in his case how could he honor them?  Back in Biblical days there were no last names but you were known by your father’s name. For example: My husband would be known as Mike son of Gerald. So the way they lived, reflected back to their father.  I feel my husband does bring honor to his parents by the way he lives his life.

Mind you our parents are not and were not perfect. They have flaws and even handed down bad habits, but they also have handed down wonderful, God honoring traits that are worthy of honoring.

How about you? Do you find yourself focusing on the negative things your parents did? Maybe they were short tempered or displayed some other “negative” issue. Seek God. Ask Him to show you ways that you can honor your parents in the new year. Through honoring them, you are obeying God. You will be glad you did. I am still overwhelmed  that God led us to honor them in the way we did.

“Honor your father and mother –which is the first commandment with a promise – that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Ephesians 6:3 (NIV 1984)