Honor Your Father and Mother

Betty Owens

May 19

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land. -- Ephesians 6:1-3 ESV

We are poised between Mother's Day and Father's Day. Two days of remembrance for some. Days to celebrate for others. I appreciate the celebration, the gatherings. Seeing my sons in person and enjoying conversation with them. They came bearing gifts and I appreciate those, too.

But the gifts are not as important as the giver.

In this busy world, sometimes we put off family time and visits with those who are not a part of our immediate household.

I overheard plans between my sons and their dad, looking forward to Father's Day, and I thought it was funny that they dream of time away from their wives and family. "Guy time." Just the guys, enjoying a few hours at some sort of play.

Yes, I thought it was funny. I'm happy that they want to spend time together. Guy time. The safe zone where they can talk about anything without fear of repercussions. They need that. Bonding and cementing their relationship with one another.

Maybe I missed an opportunity. Instead of hosting the family in my home on Mother's Day, I could have had "girl time." Left those guys to shift for themselves. I'm not being facetious, I really am laughing at this. And in the meantime, making a note on my calendar for next year. Girl time. Yes!

Girl Time! Moms know how to have fun! [Left to right - My mom, her mom, her sister, circa 1944]

All fun aside, enjoy your time with family, whenever possible. Honor your parents or those who are surrogate parents for you. Not just so you'll inherit the promise of a long life. One day, you'll be wearing the apron and wishing for time with your family. You'll reap the benefits of the time you sowed into their lives. When you show honor to those who raised you, your children are watching.