The fifth Commandment reminds us to honor our parents.

Later, in Deuteronomy 26:11, we are told to “Rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household.”

Not only are we to accept our parents, the good and the bad, but it also is good to appreciate them.

It’s easy to take our parents for granted. Some of us had super parents, and it’s easy to appreciate them. For some, your parents were a little more difficult to appreciate. Regardless of who your parents were, there are at least two things you could appreciate about them.

First, you can appreciate their effort. Parenting is a difficult, time-consuming, energy-draining job. It takes a lot to raise kids. Child rearing is no easy task, especially for those who have been called on to step back into the task of parenting later in life.

Next, we can appreciate their sacrifice. Parenting is expensive. The economics of parenting are staggering. They say the cost to raise a child to maturity is about a quarter of a million dollars. Somebody said a father is somebody who carries pictures where he once carried money.

When a couple chooses to have kids, by default, they are choosing to do without some other things. Think of all of the things your parents did for you. Think about all of the money they spent to put clothes on your back, food in your stomach, money spent to educate you and medicate you and make you the wonderful person you are today. That’s a major reason why we are to appreciate them.

As I get older, I honor my parents by affirming and encouraging them. For many parents, as they grow older, they get less respect. Affirming friends begin to disappear.

They are no longer active in the marketplace. Their grown children are busy with their own families. They sometimes lead very lonely lives. They need to hear from you.

They need to be with you. They need to know if they have made a positive contribution in your life. They need to be affirmed.

By staying connected, we are affirming our parents. In some ways, every time you write a letter, send a card, make a call, pay a visit, you’re obeying the command to honor your father and mother.

They want to know what’s going on in your life. This can be a genuine source of blessing for them and for you.

Next time, we’ll consider some additional ways we can affirm and encourage our parents.

You may read Steve Greene’s blog at pastorgreene.wordpress.com or you can email him at [email protected].