“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”
Earlier today, I was reading an article about famous and powerful people and the impact their mothers had on their lives. Some of them were well known, like Abraham Lincoln and Coco Chanel; others were less well known but equally influential. We all know the power of a mother in a child’s life. At times, it can be easy to forget how those early years help determine who we become in our later years. In this verse, Solomon reminds us not to overlook our parents when they grow old. My kids and grandkids are very kind about this. They like to tell me that I’m old, although I’m not sure they’re correct. Nonetheless, they are very respectful, and I am blessed by that. One of the greatest gifts I ever received was a little book that my granddaughter made at school when she was around the third grade. When she gave it to me, I opened it and saw that she had dedicated it to me for being the one who told her about Jesus. As we grow older, the greatest thing any of us can do for our children, our grandchildren, and anyone else in our lives is to reflect Christ and speak of Jesus. Today, perhaps it would be a good time to call your parents, if they are still around, and simply say, “Thank you.” #BeTheEdge
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12 NIV
