Who would your parents want you to become?
And would they (and your ancestors) think you are using the sacrifices they made worthily?
In my mom’s absence, this has been one constant thought in the back of my mind: am I becoming a classy, elegant woman who she would have wanted me to be in spite of the pain of her absence?
In my father’s altered state, this has been a constant thought in my mind: am I honoring the sacrifices he made to raise me and am I reflecting the gift of the upbringing he and my mom provided?
There isn’t a more meaningful gift than to have loving parents.
As adults, it’s easy to forget or to never acknowledge the sleepless nights, the financial strain, the loss of time and sacrifices our parents made to have us.
I am the fourth born of five children. Directly prior to my birth, my mom had two miscarriages.
At the time she had three beautiful girls. However, these two miscarriages impacted her deeply.
Even when I was grown, she would tell me she knew those babies were in heaven.
After suffering those losses, she prayed for a daughter with black hair, blue eyes, (like my dad) and dimples. My three older sisters all were born with blond hair like my mom.
God heard her prayer, and along I came.
For her, my life was a reminder of God’s provision. Of God’s promise despite pain. Of his redeeming power to take loss and make life again. And that he hears and answers the desires of our hearts.
Any child is a gift. And I’d even say the birth of my younger brother after four girls seemed the ultimate gift.
It’s easy, as adults, to forget our foundations. And what I mean by foundations are the minutes, hours, days, and moments that were provided for us for care when we couldn’t care for ourselves. It’s easy to disregard the hours and years of sleepless nights, the provision of food, a warm bed, and comfort, when we can’t go back and see it.
However, we are living it.
Whatever your state in life, you are alive because someone cared enough for you to provide for you.
What do you do to honor that gift? Do you reflect the honor instilled in you by your parents? Or do you neglect it in the destructive ways of this world?
Hold fast to who you are. Be a reflection of the gift of life that is within you.
And remember, you were the light of someone’s life.
Proverbs 6:20-24
My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead the; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light: and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
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