Honor you Father and your Mother

In two days my wonderful father turns 87 years old; my mother will be 85 in November. They can still get around pretty well but their joints are getting creeky, their backs weak and they are slowing down.

They were (and are) the best of parents so I have brought them to Disney World for a week of relaxation and fun. They took good care of me when I was young and this is pay-back time 🙂 

My daughter Emily is also the best of daughters but gets left behind when we travel so much, so we have made this trip for her as well. We have nicknamed her "Queen Bee" for the trip.

If you read the 10 Commandments given on Mount Sinai, you will find, "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God gives you" (Ex 20:12).

St. Paul reminds us of this command in Ephesians: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth” (Eph 5:1-3).

Notice that the Command comes with a promise attached. If you honor your parents — you will be blessed and live long, and live well.

I didn't bring my parents to Disney World simply to cash in on the promise. But I am no fool — I will appropriate the promise as offered — but I brought them here because I love them and they have honored me giving me birth, changing my diapers, cleaning up my puck as a kid, and raising me right. Now I can thank them in a tangible way.

Thanks mom and dad — glad you're enjoying Disney World! Happy 87th dad; may you live long and full of days before meeting Our Lord in glory.