Problem Children
Who set the mood in your home when you were growing up?
Was it Mom or Dad?
For a father's blessing strengthens the houses of the children, but a mother's curse uproots their foundations. - Sirach 3:9
Chances are, it wasn't the kids. At least, when we were kids, we didn't think so. But what about when we became parents?
Those who honor their father will have joy in their own children, and when they pray they will be heard. - Sirach 3:5
We would all like a perfect household, one without turmoil, anger, disappointment, pain.
In today's reading from Sirach, we are given a simple recipe for family bliss, honor your father and your mother. If we do that, we are told, our lives will be better when we are parents.
So, who sets the tone in the household?
It seems to me, the ones who have the power to make or break a peaceful home are the kids. They hold the key to the moods and temperment of their parents.
Of course we cannot blame everything on the kids, even though as parents, we might find that tempting. But the emphasis on our childhood behavior makes a great metaphor for life as children of God.
We often find ourselves struggling to understand God's actions in The Bible. We tend to forget that the stories are about God's interactions with us.
We are the main characters in the stories, and that changes everything when it comes to trying to learn from them. If we want to know more about ourselves, look at the things we do, the ways we disobey and ignore God's commands and wishes, the ways we undermine each other's attempts to get closer to God.
We are the problem, not God.
I find it interesting that the commandment to honor father and mother ranks so high on the list, right after the ones that refer to God, the first of the ones related to how we treat each other.
I believe there is a reason for it.
God knows what kind of children we are. If we can find a way to love, respect and honor our parents, to treat them well throughout all their lives, then maybe we can come to know God as Father of all.
It's a thought. But, then again, it is hard not to think this life we live is not all about us.
May your lives be filled with laughter and joy and may you live long, enjoying the love of many.
More to come...
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