One of the most rewarding parables in the Bible is the parable of the prodigal son.
In many ways this parable parallels the life of many young people.
How often have we heard and many of us even said, “I can’t wait until I’m grown and can get out of this house.” This line was often used when parents’ held firm to their beliefs and would not allow you to do the things you thought they should.
In my day, parents ruled their household often with commandments of the way things were going to go in their home. They paid the bills, provided food, clothing, and lodging for us yet there was an expectation placed on us as their children.
We were expected to go to go to school, and to be a positive part of our family and society. If at any time you got out of line you were quickly put back in your place and reminded that, “This is my house and you will do what I say!” There were not many times growing up that we could debate a particular circumstance or situation with attempts to change a situation or final decision. What our parents said became gospel, the rules of the house and we were to follow it to the letter.
Our parents demanded respect whether we wanted to give it or not! There was no refusal, or questioning of the code of honor they expected and maintained every day for their families.
One day I was at work and witnessed a little boy’s interaction with his mother, he could not have been no more than 8. He was asking for something and from the conversation I assumed the mother said no. The little boy went on to say, “you’re stupid I hate you,” yelling at the top of his lungs. I stood there in utter amazement as the mother said, “don’t say that.” The little boy continued to yell at her as they proceeded down the hall. For some reason I just couldn’t take my eyes off of the two of them. I felt bad for the mother who seemed really embarrassed and hurt by what her young son was yelling as she walked down the hall. I wanted to take the little kid by the arm and tell him, “don’t you ever speak to your mother like that again!” It was obvious he needed some strong firm direction.
Somewhere parenting has really taken a flip!
I would have never ever thought of saying something like that to my mother, nor my father it just wasn’t heard of! Now me and my siblings might say something while we were mad about some type punishment we received and we might certainly say something like that amongst ourselves but directly to their face oh no way!
Growing up in a time when, “In God we trust meant something!” We feared and respected God! We feared and respected our parents. We also knew it was a community effort to help keep you on track. If your neighbor saw you doing something wrong, they would correct you and then contact your parents. You always knew if that happened you had to go round two with your parents. Times have become very different now we have taken the term parent out of context and we now want to become friends.
Having a close relationship with your child or children is good yet there is a difference in being a parent and friend. We want our children to be able to talk to us about anything, and still maintain that level of respect between parent and child.
On our currency it says, “In God We Trust.” The Bible tells children “Honor your Father and Mother that your days may be long among the land.” As parents we do our kids a great big disservice when we allow them to dishonor us.
There is no road map, no guidelines for being a parent most learn from how they were raised, and from the assistance of friends. For most it is trial and error! Often parents tend to say I am not going to raise my kids the way I was raised.
My questions to you would be?
What was so bad about your upbringing?
Did your upbringing aide you in any way?
Did it hinder your growth as a positive figure in society?
Parents should always be there to guide, instruct, correct, protect, and provide.
Children should love, honor, and respect their parents. Often what we fail to realize as children is whatever we have been through, go through, or experience the greatest blessing we were given is life! We have the ability to change anything negative in our path past and present! No matter what curves life has thrown you the greatest gift we share is life!