Hear, my son, your father’s instruction,
and forsake not your mother’s teaching,
for they are a graceful garland for your head
and pendants for your neck.
–Proverbs 1:8-9
I remember several years ago reading an article about Emmitt Smith, the Hall of Fame running back for the Dallas Cowboys and one of the greatest players to ever step on the field. Smith, as you may remember, went to the NFL draft before he graduated from college. And the article was talking about how his mom and dad didn’t want him to build a big house until he completed his college education.
Emmitt had megabucks, so he could have done whatever he wanted. But instead of going his own way, he listened to the wisdom of his parents and finished his college education before building himself a big house.
Honoring our mothers and fathers goes beyond childhood. Oh yes, when we’re young, we honor then through obedience. But as we grow older, honoring our parents takes the form of seeking them for advice, keeping a healthy relationship with them, and taking care of them as they grow older. There’s no expiration date on honoring your mom and dad.
So what does that look like for you? Well, if you’re still living in their home, you have the responsibility to obey your parents. But if you aren’t, find ways to honor your parents by caring for them and maintaining a healthy relationship!
HONOR YOUR MOM AND DAD BY LOVING THEM, SEEKING THEIR COUNSEL, AND TAKING CARE OF THEM AS THEY GET OLDER.
