I could spend paragraphs writing about all the wonderful things my parents do and all that they are, but I would have a hard time keeping it succinct. My philosophy when it comes to words, spoken or written, is why use two when you can use ten? I tend to be a little verbose.... so, I'll try my hardest to be brief.
Why should I honor my parents? As a kid, you basically do it because you're told to, and life is better when your parents aren't mad at you. Thinking about it, that still holds true. But, I choose to honor my parents because I am grateful for the MANY sacrifices they have made on my behalf and on behalf of my family. I honor them because they have integrity and they lead by example. They are dedicated and committed and are steadfast in honoring their commitments. Below, and in no particular order, are some of the things about my parents that I am most grateful for:
- Late nights typing a 7th graders 45-page autobiography project for English on a typewriter
- Introducing me to Stonewall Jackson
- Shopping on Christmas Eve
- Letting my kids help put Christmas decorations up (I'm still not there at my house)
- Caffeine Free Diet Mountain Dew runs to neighboring counties
- Happy meals
- Swig
- Watching dogs
- Watching kids
- Taking my cat to the pound when I found out Allie was allergic and I couldn't do it
- Showing me different parts of the world
- The Beatles
- Hot dogs
- Books, books and more books
- Bringing a TV to my 5th grade class when the Challenger exploded so we could watch the coverage live
- Christmas jammies
- Advocating for their grandchildren while I try to imagine what it would have felt like to drown them at birth
- Requests for phone calls when I'm in for the night
- The Civil War and Gettysburg Address
- A love for all things historical
- Raising their children to be individuals and to be the best version of themselves
- Teaching and expecting us to love each other; cross-country moves, hospital stays, and home remodels and repairs
- Teaching me the beauty of being able to sleep while the wind blows
- Watching them serve their parents in their last days on earth
- Trips to Disney and a whole bunch of other places
- Teaching me the concept of Return and Report
- Demonstrating a dedication to the Gospel and Church service. For constantly reminding me that we are not called to serve only when it is convenient for us, but when we are asked and however we are asked
- Flushing catheters (yuck!)
- Taking the high road; doing the right things for the right reasons
- Not caring who gets the credit
- Being generous with their time and talents
- Investing in education
- Teaching me how to lead and to trust myself enough to try and do it
- Chocolate milk and doughnuts on Saturday mornings
- Helping me prioritize my relationships.... Matt and the kids are ALWAYS first.... even when I'd rather put my focus elsewhere.... my home and family comes first
- Class parties
- Being faithful home/visiting teachers and attending the temple
Obviously, I like my parents a lot and they have done so much for me. As I have progressed in life, I have learned that not everyone has parents like mine. They are there to remind me of the good times, to teach me how to do hard things (even still.) They are great sounding boards and are still teaching me things. It's true that sometimes I still feel like I'm 13; every once in a while I'll get a strong talking-to. Usually, however, these episodes include lunch to soften the blow.
How do I honor my parents? Well, I try super hard to do the things they taught me to. A lot of the things they taught me are things that I try to teach my own kids. I try to follow their example and help those around me in the ways I can and I try to respect and listen to their words when they offer advice. Although there are things that I don't understand or we don't agree on, more often than not, I will happily defer to them because I trust them.
Like my earthly parents, I also try hard to honor my Heavenly parents. It sometimes sounds trite, but "What Would Jesus Do?" is a thought I consider often. I'll tell you what he would do.... In Luke 2 we read the following account of Jesus as a child.
40 And the child grew,
and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and
the grace of God was upon him.
41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at
the feast of the passover.
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to
Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned,
the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew
not of it.
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company,
went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and
acquaintance.
45 And when they found him
not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found
him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing
them, and asking them questions.
47 And all that heard him were astonished at
his understanding and answers.
48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother
said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I
have sought thee sorrowing.
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought
me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
It is my hope that if I am ever to find myself lost, either literally or figuratively, that it can be said that when I am found I too can ask, "How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" Throughout my life I have always tried my hardest to live my life in a manner that is pleasing to my Heavenly Father and that will demonstrate the love and respect I have for Him and my earthly parents. And although it is not always easy, and I have failed more times than I care to admit, I know I am blessed by His grace, His mercy and His love; and I will honor my parents all of my days.
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