“When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own household” (John 19:26-27).
RESPECT
Things have come full circle in our family. Don gave our grandson Ian Anderson the bottles, caps, and capper to make homemade root beer for the family at Christmas. Tradition lives on.
When we ministered at Hide-A-Way Lake Church, I loved watching Charlie and Marie Haas drive by with Miss Lucy. Miss Lucy—actually she was Mrs. Lucy, Marie’s mother—always sat in the front seat with Charlie while Marie rode in the back. It was a matter of respect. Out of respect for my wonderful mother-in-law, Rosalea Anderson, I also made sure she was seated comfortably in the front seat when she rode with us. Our daughters have observed this, and now guess who gets to sit in the front seat? It seemed strange at first, but now I feel cared for and special. From sowing a small kindness, I am reaping a threefold kindness in return, with my three daughters.
We have experienced another change in our relationship with our children. They are now the givers in many ways. Each has unique bents and abilities. Some do our Christmas shopping; others cook, set the tables, repair things, wash dishes, and entertain the children. When we are together, hopefully the grandchildren are watching and the next generation will learn to respect and take care of their parents. Then we truly will have come full circle.
It endears my heart even more toward our savior when I think of Him caring for His dear mother’s needs while suffering on the cross. What love and respect He had for Mary! We need to follow our Lord’s example. Whom has He called you to love and respect? Demonstrate your love and respect for Him by obeying His call. I am thankful for our children who are obeying their Lord’s command to honor their father and mother. Can your parents or elderly relatives say the same? You never know who may be watching how you care for them. They may be the ones who will be your caregivers someday. Teach them well!!
“Train up a child in the way that he should go and be sure to walk in it yourself sometime.” —Dear Abby