(I realize some of you may have had a difficult childhood.  See note below) 
 

I did not realize this until today.  The commandment to honor your parents is the first commandment TIED TO A PROMISE.  God promises “it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life.”  
Clearly, parent honoring is IMPORTANT TO GOD!

What are ways we honor our father and mother?

1. Be intentional about spending time with them – regardless where they live.  (Not just during Christmas and Thanksgiving.  Be intentional about doing activities they enjoy and talking about their life – not always about YOU!
2. Be intentional about staying in touch – whether you live across the county or across the country.  Skype and FaceTime are now available.
3. Be intentional about being good to them – ask the Lord to give you creative ideas.
4. Be intentional about showing them respect and speaking to them with respect.  (What is your tone of voice?  Being careful NOT embarrassing them in front of others.  It’s also disrespectful when we make them feel old, irrelevant or not understanding the times…) 
5. Be intentional to live in peace.  If your relationship with your parents is strained – be the one to apologize.  “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”  Ephesians 4:2
6. Be intentional about setting healthy boundaries if your parent is unreasonable or verbally abusive. 
7. Be intentional about appreciating them.  Tell them on a regular basis how much you love and appreciate them.
8. Be intentional about honoring your in-laws.  God considers them your parents as well once you marry.
9. Be intentional to take care of them as best you can with a clear conscience if they are in need of help.
10. Be intentional about modeling the importance of extended family to YOUR children.  If you make extended family important… Chances are, your children will make YOU important later in life.

My only living grandmother lives in an Assisted Living facility.  My mother and my 2 aunts travel a great distance EACH DAY to check on her; to spend time with her; to take her out for coffee or ice cream.  Many days, they sit on a urine smelling sofa in the TV room, just to be next to her.  Visiting with her…  Sometimes just sitting in silence.

What an amazing example they are to me and the rest of the family.  Teaching us to honor your parent – even when it’s not easy or involves great sacrifice. 

For this to be the first commandment tied to a promise, clearly it’s IMPORTANT TO GOD.

FRIDAY, January 17, 2013
Iron Sharpens Iron Luncheon
General Session:  
One Woman; One Family; One Generation
Making a Difference in YOUR Corner of the World

 

Note:  Have you allowed time with the Lord so He can heal you as ONLY HE CAN?  When we do, He will enable you to do things for your parents – you never dreamed you could do.  His love, compassion and forgiveness is able to heals many wrongs.)