As children mature into adulthood and parents enter old age, adult children find new tangible ways to express honor to their parents. Joseph provided a home and food for his dad. Honor may also be expressed by visits, phone calls cards, and care for physical needs. Ideally, siblings work together to care for their parents. A sibling who is more financially secure may provide financial support to the parents, while a sibling who lives nearby may provide more frequent company.

Ultimately, children honor their parents by the way they invest their lives. The saddest of all parents are those whose children have chosen drugs, alcohol, crime, or other irresponsible lifestyles. The happiest of parents are those who are honored by children who choose a self-giving lifestyle, investing in life for the benefit of God and good in the world. These are, above all, parents most honored.

Spend time together in prayer, praying specifically for your parents as they age and for your changing roles in their lives.

Reflect on these questions:

What does it look like to honor our parents in this stage of their lives?

What makes our parents feel honored?

What are some new, tangible ways we can express honor to them?

Consider these passages for further study on Parents:

Proverbs 20:20 If someone curses their father or mother,
    their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.

Proverbs 23:22 Listen to your father, who gave you life and do not despise your mother when she is old.

Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

I love my parents. They have always been there for me in my celebrations of life, recitals, graduations, new baby, and happy events in my life, and all the hard times, divorce, custody case, relocation case, and even struggling as a business owner. Now I am proud to have them in all times of my life. Always sharing how much I love them.

Tell them you love them today!