Honor Your Mother and Father

As I get to know my long-time friends, sometimes I hear them talk about their parents.  Along the way I’ve learned that everyone has different experiences with this most important relationship. Some have grown up having difficult relationships with their parents.  Others have grown up with the most rewarding and nurturing relationships with their parents that anyone could ever imagine.

For instance, my wife and another of our good friends love their parents.  They were treated well and raised well.  They can’t remember a time when they didn’t feel loved and empowered. On the other hand, I have another friend whose father left his family when he was a little boy.  His father was hard and bitter.  My friend’s older brother was so hurt that he left for Australia when he was young and has never come back.  My friend has reconciled with his father a little bit, but it’s a tenuous relationship.

What is your relationship with your parents like?

On a scale of 1-10 1 being the worst and 10 being the best give yourself a score on your relationship with your parents.

Again, on a scale of 1-10, 1 being negative and 10 being positive, rate the impact your relationship with your parents is having on your life right now.

I know a number of you will give ratings that are well into positive numbers.  And, that is great for you!  Let me encourage you to continue viewing this relationship in such a positive light.

I know, too, that there are a number of you who are not able to give positive ratings on these two questions.  Let me encourage you as well.  There is a way to turn a corner, to find a way out of the traps and snare you have been caught in.

Thank you.  God bless you - on your journey today!