Good Intentions Made Good

Good Intentions Made Good

Honor your father and mother, as the LORD your God commanded you. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

Deuteronomy 5:16

My widowed grandmother has lived with our family for the last decade, and although it hasn’t always been easy, I’ve been thankful for our time together. Some time ago I spent the afternoon with my mother-in-law. In the midst of our conversation I mentioned, “You know, if something ever happens to Dad, you are welcome to live with us. We’ll make sure you’re cared for.”

Relief flooded her face as she said, “You don’t know what it means for me to hear you say that. You just lifted a huge burden from my shoulders.”

In the Amish community widows and widowers are well cared for, and some adult children find a way to organize their efforts.

Last Christmas, Julia’s sister handed everyone a list of dates. “My sister Mary Sue thought it up. She assigned everyone to take a turn and help Mom for one day per week throughout the year,” Julia explained. “We mow her lawns or do her laundry; whatever she needs. I thought it was a real good idea, and it’s worked out well.”

The grandchildren participate too by running errands or hoeing the garden. “Everyone plays a part,” Julia said. “I like having my children see how to take good care of a grandmother. She’s taken good care of all of us over the years. She’s been a wonderful mother and grandmother. It’s our turn, now, to take care of her.”

Christmas is still a few months away—the perfect time to plan a “caring calendar” for someone in your life. Make good on your good intentions! Not only will you honor a special person, but you and your children will be blessed.

Deuteronomy 5:29 says, “Oh, that they would always have hearts like this, that they might fear me and obey all my commands! If they did, they and their descendants would prosper forever.”

When we give care and honor to our parents, we will prosper in our own lives and souls. That’s a promise from God.

Dear heavenly Father, I can count on Your promises. Help me to be obedient to Your Word and to give honor where it is due!