Honor they parents. There is nothing in those commandments about friends superseding parents. So why would a parent strive for a friendship with their children?
As a parent, my mom nurtured, cared for, and parented me through the first 29 years of my life. Parented is the key word as the Dose looked at Sarah as a mother first and then, later in my life, as a friend. I am grateful that she didn’t do for me (or allow me to do) specific things just to be befriended by her little girl.
She didn’t need me as a friend and she knew I needed her as a parent. Yet it was the parent in her that made me want her as my friend.
Today, as I observe the parent–child relationship, I often get confused and wonder – who’s in charge? Little kids appear to get away with bad behavior despite the presence of a parent. Young adults speak to their folks like they do with their high school buddies. And college kids, well they just ignore their parents altogether… although I’m thinking many do this despite their upbringing.
Parent first – friend later… flip the order and you’ll get anything but honor!
This dose is dedicated to my mother, Sarah Helen, on the 25th year anniversary of her death.