Living Free - October 11
Honor Your Parents: Be Proud!
Scripture
"So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." - (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT)
Thought for the Day
We all want to know our parents are proud of us. But do we realize it's just as important to them to know we are proud of them? What better way to honor our parents than to tell them we are proud of them? To show them we are proud?
When you are inundated with the responsibilities of caregiving, sometimes you may not take time just to enjoy your parents as people! That can easily happen when you are wrapped up in doctor appointments, health issues, financial challenges, and hour-by-hour caring. Don't forget to focus on them as your parents. As people. Take time for personal interaction.
And during that personal interaction . . . be intentional about letting them know you are proud of them. And why you are proud of them.
Consider This . . .
Write a list of what you appreciate about your parents. What you are proud of. Character traits. Faith. Accomplishments. You may be surprised how long the list is!
Have you ever told your parents you are proud of those things? If so, don't stop! If not, now is the time to begin. Don't just read them the list. At appropriate times, share one or two things with them. Tell them about something specific they did. Or . . . "I've always been so proud of your . . ." In their presence, brag to someone else about something special they did. You may even want to build them a scrapbook of memories that have made you proud of them.
Just one more way to love them . . . and honor them.
Father, I thank you for my parents. They gave me life and have blessed me in so many ways. Help me show my gratitude and let them know how proud I am of them. In Jesus' name . . .
These thoughts were drawn from …
Caregiving: Caring for Aging Parents by Charles Puchta. The purpose of this curriculum is to provide hope and direction to those concerned about the health and well-being of aging parents or an ill spouse or relative. We address predominate issues most families face. Each session is designed to discuss a specific area of concern such as the purpose of a caregiver or end-of-life planning. It will become clear to participants that the Bible provides encouragement and direction to help them through this caregiving journey. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a study for individuals or couples.
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