Proverbs 1:8
“My son, give ear to the training of your father, and do not give up the teaching of your mother.”
My parents are flawed human beings. In my youth, I spent a lot of time resenting them for their mistakes. I spent more time trying to prove them wrong. (We have previously established that I am exceedingly stubborn, right?) I was determined to do things my own way because I thought I knew everything.
And then life happened…and I became a parent. Now I see things a little differently.
Feel free to laugh. It’s OK. I deserve it! I willingly admit I had no clue what life was really all about. The first time I was old enough to realize my old man might be right, it knocked the wind right out of my sails although I refused to admit it to him at the time! I used to get so irritated every time my mother would stand over my shoulder, nagging me with an “I told you so” look on her face. I would intentionally do the exact opposite of what she had just instructed me to do just to be independent. (We have also previously established that I learn lessons the hard way, right?)
My youth is filled with memories of heartache and stress. Some of it was out of my control and was simply a product of the environment in which my parents raised me. However, much of it was self-inflicted. I was so determined to do things my own way, I could not see the forest for the trees. Then God called me.
A large part of God’s calling is repentance. When God opens our hearts, He also reveals our shortcomings. That was so painful for me. I suddenly understood how much disrespect I had shown my parents. I was filled with grief and regret. What I have come to understand is my parents are flawed human beings, but they love me as much as I love my own children. They have learned some very valuable life lessons on their journey and they have wanted desperately to use that experience to guide me and to spare me the heartache of the errors they made. My parents have hovered over me, nagged me, encouraged me, and loved me, all to give me the tools that I need to succeed. They will continue to make mistakes and I must learn to discern those mistakes, but I would be a fool to ignore the wisdom they are trying to impart.
I pray that you will always find value in the training of your father and in the teaching of your mother. Prov 1:8 “For they will be a crown of grace for your head, and chain-ornaments about your neck.” Fore more on this subject, request our FREE sermon on CD What the Children are Missing.
Love, Mom xox
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