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As a teenager, I would often bargain with God, earnestly praying, “God, if you make me rich, one day I’ll open an orphanage and help the poor.” Now, over 30 years later, I can attest that God has indeed blessed me beyond my wildest dreams. Though I haven’t been able to open a physical orphanage due to legal restrictions in the country where I serve, I am deeply involved in loving, serving, and caring for destitute families, as well as widows and orphans who have been impacted by conflict in their home country.
Ten years ago, before I began my service, I made a solemn commitment that wherever God led me, I would not only love and care for the destitute, but also prioritize honoring and caring for my aging parents. I ensured that my monthly budget allocated a little funds specifically for an emergency fund, guaranteeing that I would always have resources available to either return home or provide financial assistance to my parents, in the event of an unexpected circumstance or simply to bless them to remind them I loved them. This gave me great peace of mind.
1 Timothy 5:4-8 reminds us that honoring our parents and taking care of them is pleasing to God. It says: “But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God… But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Caring for others is admirable, yet we must not overlook our divine responsibility of honoring our parents, as doing so is pleasing to God.
As my dad approaches 80 and mom 70, I am so grateful that God answered my prayer by providing enough, not only so I could take care of the destitute and the poor, but so I may also love, indulge, and honor my parents as they graciously age.
If you have elderly parents, grandparents, or aging friends, neighbors, lavish them with love and intentionally find a way to honor them today.
How have you recently shown your appreciation for your parents? If you haven't had the opportunity yet, but have plans in the coming weeks or months, what do you intend to do to honor them?
Ten years ago, when my dad celebrated his 70th birthday, I wanted to mark the occasion with something extraordinary. So, I arranged for us to go on a Mediterranean cruise—an experience they still talk about. Two years later, I had hoped they would visit me in my field of service, but unfortunately, due to some health challenges, they had to postpone their plans.
Now 8 years later, here we are and they will be here in 2 weeks! I am thrilled!!! This is what I have reserved for my parents this year, to fly them here and give them a tour of the land, all expenses paid! I will not allow them to spend not one penny, I will take care of them… because God, who is a great provider, has blessed me and helped me save over the years, so I could honor them in this special way when they come visit.
Honoring your parents takes on various forms, but it always has to be demonstrated in a spirit of love. It might entail visiting them to spend some good quality time with them, tending to household chores like mowing their grass, cleaning around their house, maintaining their car, stocking their pantry and refrigerator (without being asked).
This year, honoring my parents will involve covering their airfare, ensuring their meals and accommodations are all taken care of, and indulging to whatever they want. (They will probably laugh, when I humorously tell them that I am still trying to repay the debt for all the ice creams, chips, candies, merry-go-around rides they indulged me during my childhood).
Loving them in this way isn't merely a duty, but something I eagerly look forward to. It not only warms my heart but also brings the greatest joy to God's heart.
At the end of the year, mom is turning 70 … hmmm, I wonder what God will reserve us. It will be good to probably go on another cruise! We’ll see!!!