I am thankful for parents.

Ephesians 6:1-3

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—this is the first commandment with a promise: “so that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”

Runners up for today gratitude devotion: pets, passion fruit, papayas, the color purple, popsicles, pickles, pizza, and popcorn. The winner for today is “parents.” While some may have difficult relationships with one or both parents, there are always people in our life who serve as parents. For most, those are biological or adoptive parents, but for some those may be another family member or older friend. Regardless of the relationship, parents play such an important role in our lives. They love us no matter our success or what trouble we get into. They teach us right from wrong and give us a moral compass to follow. Parents guide us on how to navigate relationships and how to make difficult decisions. They walk with us when things don’t go our way or when we feel lost. No matter what happens, that relationship remains and they are our parents.

As Christians, we also have the joy of celebrating a heavenly parent who carries out those same roles without any limitations. Our Heavenly Parent loves us unconditionally, shows us the way, and is with us no matter what. Let us thank God today for our parents.

Prayer

Heavenly Parent, I thank You for loving me, for walking with me, and for showing me right from wrong. I thank You for the gift of earthly parents in my life who have shown me Your love. Empower me to be a good parent to those in my life that need direction and love. Thank You for all Your blessings. In Your name I pray, Amen.