The pew was cold and the room looked empty. The sanctuary seated 5,000 but today there was only about 350 wide eyed freshmen gracing the pews. We were here for the mandatory freshmen pep talk. In my arrogance I assumed this lecture would be another waste of time. I had a book to read as back up and notes ready to pass to my roommate for when things got really boring. I have long since forgotten the speaker, but 11 years later, the message remains. Exodus 20:12 "Honor your father and mother, that your days may be long in the land the Lord is giving you." He began to explain that parents of adult children question their parenting. Parents need encouragement from their children. They need to know that they raised you well. They need to know they still matter to you. There are some practical ways you can encourage your parents as an adult.
1. Tell them how much they mean to you
2. Praise them for what they did well
3. Call or visit often
4. Seek their counsel
5. Involve them in your children's lives
6. Ask how you can pray for them
7. Meet their needs
8. Let them know they still matter to you
My parents weren't perfect and neither am I. But the one thing they did really well was love us unconditionally and teach us to love the Lord. For Christmas, I wanted to do something sentimental. I wrote down all the life lessons my parents modeled for us. I used a free photo editor called befunky and tried my hand at creating word art. I saved it as a .jpg file and then uploaded it to walmart. I had it hard mounted onto wood and sent it to them for Christmas. They were both touched and moved. It was a simple way to show them honor.
A few months after that lecture, my mom's dad passed away, leaving her an orphan. It was a poignant reminder to me that I am only gifted with my parents for so many days. I vowed 11 years ago to make sure my parents knew I loved them. Honoring my parents is a small way to show my gratefulness for the lifetime of love I have been given.
1. Tell them how much they mean to you
2. Praise them for what they did well
3. Call or visit often
4. Seek their counsel
5. Involve them in your children's lives
6. Ask how you can pray for them
7. Meet their needs
8. Let them know they still matter to you
My parents weren't perfect and neither am I. But the one thing they did really well was love us unconditionally and teach us to love the Lord. For Christmas, I wanted to do something sentimental. I wrote down all the life lessons my parents modeled for us. I used a free photo editor called befunky and tried my hand at creating word art. I saved it as a .jpg file and then uploaded it to walmart. I had it hard mounted onto wood and sent it to them for Christmas. They were both touched and moved. It was a simple way to show them honor.
A few months after that lecture, my mom's dad passed away, leaving her an orphan. It was a poignant reminder to me that I am only gifted with my parents for so many days. I vowed 11 years ago to make sure my parents knew I loved them. Honoring my parents is a small way to show my gratefulness for the lifetime of love I have been given.