“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.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
(Ephesians 6:1-4 ESV)
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
(Proverbs 22:6 ESV)
I was thinking about the years I spent working in nursing homes. There were so many lonely parents. Their children were just too busy to visit their parents except on Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Easter, Christmas, and maybe the parents’ birthday. Most of the time, they just showed up at Christmas for a few minutes and then left until next year. Their parents sat day after day looking for the children they lovingly raised. Then there were the ones who had kids living close who never came to see them. It was like out of sight, out of mind.
I wish I had more time with my mom and grandma Keller. I would sit for hours and listen to stories about them growing up. But too late. They are both long gone along with their stories, recipes, skills, and knowledge.
God made families for a reason. He wants us to love one another, learn from one another, and then pass it on to the next generation. Once that parent or grandparent is gone, it’s too late. One thing I regret is not watching Grandma Keller closer. She could peel potatoes and apples so thin you could almost see through the peel. I have her oatmeal raisin cookie recipe, but they don’t turn out like hers did.
But God loves us no matter what we do or how we act. His love will never stop or go away. So parents, love your children with the love God has. And kids, the same advice. Love your parents like God does. They will be gone before you know it. Then it will be too late.
Have a blessed day, everyone.
Kathy Keller
Writer and Prayer warrior with Answers2Prayer Ministries
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