A Place at the Table - 30 - Parents
God, we often forget that You made us a people of heritage. Our bodies are designed by the characteristics of our parents, and brought to life by Your breath. You sent a model for the good life— Jesus the Christ. He is more than a guide; He is a brother. Through His death, we are restored to You, our heavenly Father, and we are so thankful. Help us, Father, to live lives that honor our parents and any person who has helped bring us to our current place in life. Some of us are experiencing discord in our parent-child relationships and need healing. Help us to step into Your presence; bring to our awareness the places we harbor bitterness and pain; heal our hearts. Help us to be reminded of Your great love so that from this place of restoration, we can bring our children near to us and point them to You. Amen.
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This is one of my favorite pictures. I love the ways that my hands and my kids hands are all wrapped together. Its a beautiful pile of hands, a beautiful collection of that which connects us both in physical ways as well as in ways that are beyond description. Seay centers on the concept of family in today's devotion starting with the commandment to honor your father and mother. I am thankful that I had parents who were there for me and have continued to be there for me throughout my life. They were there when things were tough and when things were great. Was it a perfect family? Nope - we're dysfunctional just like every other family. But I know that the connection has always been there and always will be.
As I read the devotion today, I thought of those both near and far who do not have the father, the mother, the parents, the relatives who can be there for them. There are so many reasons this can be the case, but whatever the circumstance, it has an impact that cannot be underestimated. While there are justifiable concerns about Jesus' comment in Matthew 12:46-50 where, in response to finding out that his mother and brothers are calling for him, we read, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” We are to be the fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters to those who are in need.