Gratitude / In-Gratitude

So, this morning... i had a funny convo with mummy. I watched her walk into the kitchen from the compound and then i started smiling. 

Mom goes like; "Why are you smiling?"

I respond; "...'cause i have a mother."

She says; "Mmmm... it's good you know."

I laughed.

She says again; "I don't have a mother."

I respond; "You have 4 kids and a husband!"

She says; "That's true. Okay, you're right."

After a little over, say, 2 minutes passes she says; "Actually... i have more than 4 children..."

I respond; "You know what i mean."

She says; "Yeah..."

Meanwhile, I'm thinking; "GOODNESS ME!!!!!!!!!!! I'm literally sharing my mom with everyone!!!"

So, what's the point of sharing this with y'all?? Simple. Be grateful for what God has blessed you with. Many of us just say "hi!" to mom and dad and leave for school or work. Some don't even bother and just rush out. I used to do same, but then i realised how bad that is. We can't even bother to know how they're doing and if they need something or just need a smile from us, yet... when we have need of something we go in a straight line to them and ask for it. Guess what? They don't turn us away; they provide the need. Funny enough, many Christians treat God the same exact way. They wake up in the morning and all they do is; "God... give me this... give me that... give me those... give me these... give me!!!!!!" They even have the nerve to get upset when there's a delay! This Is Sad!!!

It is a rather unfortunate occurrence because it is both out of complete and feigned ignorance aimed at achieving one's selfish ambitions. Guess what? God's Word says; "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)" and this can be found in Ephesians Chapter 6 Verses 1 and 2 in the King James Version. It also says; "Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord." also found in Colossians 3:20, KJV. I found this scripture as well in my search for parental respect; "But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God." - 1 Timothy 5:4, KJV. If these are not enough to get you to love God and your very own parents right, then maybe, this will; "...That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth." found in Ephesians 6:3, KJV. This scripture is a two-fold indicator (warning); either honor your parent(s) and be blessed or do the vice versa and be cursed!

For quite a while now, I've realised just how much i love my mom. To put it bluntly (as many i know will understand this terminology); I love her ruff ruff!!! I got home one night and when i saw her i was so happy i had a huge smile and ended up walking to her and hugging her in her seat. She obviously was confused and thought i was buttering her up to get something out of her. It was quite a funny sight 'cause my big sister who was standing by had the same confused look and suspected me as well. They had that reaction because it was not normal for me to do that. I only recently started kissing mom on her head or cheek and hugging her nice and tight, thus, she probably wonders "What is wrong with him?", but as long as mom smiles and laughs... those thoughts and wonderings are fine by me.

From the moment you were conceived, probably even before that (if most parents are like me in thought), mom and dad started planning a beautiful future for you; the places they'd take you, the clothes you'd wear, the school you'd attend, the parties to celebrate you... and all that. When you cried, they picked you up; when you fell and hurt yourself, they nursed you and made a joke of themselves just to make you laugh again; when you were hungry, they fed you; as you grew they clothed you; they made sure that regardless of the difficulties they faced in life, they got you an education and a bed to sleep in when you got home tired from playing and studying with friends; they cleaned you up nice and tidy when you got all dirty; they protected you when you were scared at night; they comforted you when you cried; they rejoiced with you when you were successful (graduations... anniversaries...); they attended your wedding and were the proudest parents on that day; they attended your baby's naming ceremony and were proud grandparents (though they'd give you a good beating for referring to them as grand or old)... the list goes on. Here's the best part... God does all these and more!!! He actually enables your parents to do these so in effect He is actually the one doing it. He does both the physical and the spiritual. Spiritually, He protects us always from the evil one lurking, plotting and attacking us, while providing all that we need! How do i know? Well, it’s right there in His Word; "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ..." (Ephesians 1:3, KJV). Yet, as my mom would say; "We treat God like a garden boy!" We call on Him only when we need Him to do our "bidding" and not to show Him any gratitude. We can be a very ungrateful bunch!

 

We need to learn to honor both God and our parents. We need to learn to love them and show them that love in deed and not just by mouth. We need to make them feel nice, warm and fuzzy on their insides, and then the blessings will flow like a dam that has its walls broken down.

Show some love to mom and dad today... give them hugs, kisses and gifts. Don't wait till it is too late to say all the nice things you want to, to them. You'd just end up saying those things to their left behind memories... there'd be no point! It'd just be a complete waste!!!

 ~ yoyo

~ inspiredw0rdz

~ August 12, 2015 ; 8:45 am