To the son or daughter who has told their father, “respect
is earned not given”; to the son or daughter who is in the early stages of
venturing out on their own and have found it is not as easy as they told the
world it was going to be; to the children moving into adulthood and finding it
pretty tough to do and be who they dreamed of do you see now why your father
and mother deserve your respect, even though you can’t see why in that moment?
If your mom and dad love, listen to, and obey God’s commandments then it is the
children’s duty and privilege to respect and honor them. First because God says
to and second because they have come through all the things you are struggling
with now and they continue to make it work so that your family can function the
way God intended. So look around when you are struggling, for it is always a
good idea to ask God, “What would you have me learn from this?” He might just
remind you of some things you need to make right before you can move forward.
There is a third reason but like number two it must be
experienced not lectured and that one comes when you have children of your own.
Learning is a life-long adventure so don't be quick to disregard the contributions of
others, especially those older than you.
