Proverbs 23:22
“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”
tl;dr
Loving aging parents is not always easy, but choosing love through difficult seasons is a beautiful reflection of the love Jesus has shown us.
I was so relieved when I first read this verse.
When my mother was older, I had to intentionally choose to love her. She developed dementia, and for a long stretch of time she became very ornery. I was the only one in my family with a schedule that allowed me to care for her, so I did for the last fifteen years of her life.
For the first five to ten years, she swore at me a lot. It was hard. Really hard. This verse gave me such comfort because I realized other people must struggle with their mothers too, or this would not be in Scripture.
At the end of her life, I saw the love of Jesus in her more than anything else. She became pleasant again, and I am so thankful I chose to love her through every difficult season. Today, and on many days, I miss her deeply.
We are called to love others as Jesus loves us. He loved us so much that He died for us while we were still sinners. That means He loves us even when we are difficult, stubborn, or ornery. That truth helped me continue loving my mother when it was not easy.
My mother gave me many beautiful gifts. I am a dancer. I am a kind woman who loves making other people feel special. I always try to put my best foot forward, and I love throwing a good party. These are just a few of the many gifts she instilled in me.
I am so thankful for the life of my mother. I am so glad I did not allow bitterness or frustration to turn into contempt as she aged.
If there is still a mother here on Earth to love, cherish that opportunity. Love her through the imperfections, the history, and the hard moments.
This verse is in the Bible for a very good reason.
#HonorYourMother #Proverbs23 #ChristianCaregiving #FaithInAction #LoveLikeJesus #HolyHealthyHappy