 I'm currently watching my parents walk through a significant valley together. Mom was diagnosed with a brain tumor on Christmas Eve, and their lives have been turned upside down. They are a sweet Christian couple, working now to apply the hope of the gospel to their difficult encounters. Each day brings new questions and unforeseen challenges, and so they are laboring to anchor themselves to the Word of God. They know that their days together may be fewer than they anticipated, so they are choosing to rejoice in the promises of God and ultimately in His "never leaving, never forsaking" person. Watching them makes me love and appreciate them even more.
I recently read a memorial that my dad wrote about his dad who passed away about a year ago. It was an honorable testimony to a humble man, and in reading about my grandfather, I immediately noticed his legacy in my dad. I was reminded of my dad's consistency character, genuine kindness, loyal friendship, and others-centered service. I read of my grandfather and was reminded of my dad's diligent work ethic and loving commitment to his family. When I read my dad's reflection that his dad "gave [him] quality time by giving [him] the quantity of his time," I knew I had found the source of a parenting philosophy that I had benefited from as a boy and teenager. I read of grandpa's late, but simple and sure faith in His Savior Jesus Christ, and I saw parallels to dad's deep and abiding faith. Reflecting on my dad in this way makes me love and appreciate him even more. I've occasionally heard, after a particularly sobering and devastating news report perhaps, this earnest counsel given: "Go home and hug your wife and kids." This common sense wisdom is being provoked afresh by the shortness of life and the preciousness of relationships. And so, we are being rightly encouraged to draw our family close, to wrap our arms around those we love and cherish, and to thank God that they are still with us. I've been watching my parents, reading about my grandfather, and reflecting on my dad, and my thoughts have echoed within me, "Keith, go home and hug your mom and dad"! It's been a privilege to call them mom and dad, their relationship is a precious one to me, and I thank God that our times together have been so numerous. Dear young adult, I want to encourage you to do the same—to "go home and hug your mom and dad." Perhaps I'm more reminiscent, nostalgic, and tender these days, and so this admonition is being provoked by some emotional ponderings. But I think it's a good admonition. After all, Ephesians 6:2 says, "Honor your father and mother." So, put aside any annoying disagreements and petty frustrations that may have built up between you, and "go home and hug your mom and dad." Seriously, drop by their house on your way home from work, pick up the phone and give them a call, draft an email, take them out to breakfast, send them flowers. Tell them you love them. Tell them you appreciate them and thank God for them. Honor them with affection. Yes, "go home and hug your mom and dad." |
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