Honor Your Parents

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12

Eunice’s mother has recently had a fall that gave her a compression fracture in her lower back. It will take at least 6 – 8 weeks to heal. Au and I have been caring for Mom by arranging for lawn and tree care for her home, paying her bills, and submitting her taxes. Eunice has visited mom every day for over two weeks – first at the hospital and now at rehab – while we share frequent updates with Eunice’s two sisters, figure out why she fell, determine the best pain relief regimen, and manage the related side effects of strong pain relievers on her body.

Mom loves it when we visit and shows such appreciation for our time with her. That brings joy to our hearts! Now that the weather is warming, we are able to go outside and chat about the blooming flowers and wonder aloud if children will come to play on the on-site playground today. I’m so thankful that we have this season to be with her!

Sometimes I wonder, “How do we genuinely care for Mom while still following God’s call on our lives?”

Many people were traveling with Jesus. He said to them,  “If you come to me but will not leave your family, you cannot be my follower. You must love me more than your father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters—even more than your own life!  Whoever will not carry the cross that is given to them when they follow me cannot be my follower.” Luke 14:25 – 27

How do we love God and love our parents well? We don’t have the answers…but we do know the One who does. The One who counts the hairs on our head and the One who loves us with an everlasting love. The Lord’s love is unbounding and unmeasurable. He gives us grace for each day. Even while we’ve been caring for Mom, He has given us new opportunities to present His plan for the nations and He has connected us with new partners.

Please continue to pray for us as we walk in faith and in full confidence that it is the Lord who calls and equips. Our privilege is to follow, trusting in His great love for us.

May the Lord bless and keep you as you walk with Christ. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and wait on Him. God’s work done in God’s way never lacks for God’s supply. We are learning this in new ways this month.