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a generation of perspective // Friday E-Devotion

Ephesians 6:2-3 (NLT) --- "Honor your father and mother." This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, "things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth."

This devotion is not meant to point to any specific people or to brag on someone. But if that happens, so be it.

36 + years, a million miles, billions of burgers and whatever you want to throw in may just change your perspective. I remember a day when I wouldn't listen and didn't think anyone else understood or even really cared. Boy, was I wrong.

It has taken those years, miles, burgers and more for me to have a new perspective. Now as a parent and finding more and more gray hair I see the love, wisdom and insight my parents had that I didn't care too much about. Literally that is a generation of perspective. I heard one person say (I even repeated what was said) that my dad seems to get smarted every day. Honestly, it is not him getting smarting (no offense intended). It truly is me getting some perspective.

I love my children, and I want what is best for them no matter what. Their actions and choices mean the world to me. Their success and avoiding pain are things I push for every day. When I see that, I get a generation of perspective.

This morning's reading from Proverbs was a precious word that led me to thank God for my parents (I thank you, mom and dad, too). They are gifts from God. They continue to press forward even today for my success and avoiding of pain. Seeing from a parent's perspective changes the way I see things. Seeing my children be children slaps me when I remember what I didn't see or listen to when I was growing up.

A generation of perspective comes with time and, for me, while listening to my gracious God. And we need perspective.

Proverbs 23:22-26 (NLT) --- Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don't despise your mother when she is old. Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment. The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise. So give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy. O my son, give me your heart. May your eyes take delight in following my ways.

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