It gave me such a joy when I met one of my friends two weeks back. More than a friend, she is an elder sister to me who always inspired me with her love, commitment and zeal for Jesus and His mission! Her two kids also seemed to have drawn my attention for sometime. We had a beautiful time of sharing and listening to the updates on each others' side. In between, I realized that her girl child resembles the mother whereas I could not relate the boy's face to his mother or father. After interacting with the children for sometime, I noticed that the boy child was exactly replicating his father in his way of talking and facial expressions. So, with great joy I conveyed this late realization to his mother for which she smiled and agreed. Without my knowledge I happened to say this over and over again. I kept repeating this whenever I saw the boy doing something. Though I felt this to be something strange in myself, I just ignored it there.
After getting back home in the evening, I was just reviewing my day and suddenly, for no reason, this incident came to mind. Not just once but quiet often, even before going to sleep,it showed up in my memory and I was surprised. I slept peacefully and got up the next day morning with the same incident fresh in my mind. But this time, there was a new thought that accompanied the incident. Yes, I woke up with a new conviction and I tried to recall the conversation that took place in my inner self just before I got up...
I felt an inner voice asking me gently and clearly "Who do YOU resemble my child..?" and with no doubt, I replied.. "Of course, it ca only be my Dad or Mom" Here comes the voice again asking me "well, what does the scripture say about this?" I thought for a while and responded " Scripture says that I am created in the image and likeness of God himself!!' Now the voice turned affectionate and asked me, "If that's the truth, what other proof do you need to believe that your parents are the visible face of the invisible God who created you? I paused for a while...and pondered over what I just heard... Oh My God, that's so TRUE!! what a beautiful counsel from the Spirit of GOD!!
Slowly I realized that the Holy Spirit was using the previous day's SMALL incident to teach me something BIG and IMPORTANT. Interestingly, the learning happened without my consent while I though I enjoyed a deep sleep. So, it is nothing but absolutely a Gift!!
The Holy bible reminds us of what needs to be our attitude towards parents. "Honor your father and mother"--which is the first commandment with a promise--"that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Ephesians 6:2-3. Often we stumble upon our attitude towards parents (applies to even in-laws) and we justify ourselves with advancement of learning, exposure and much more. But the truth is that God values Parenthood as a precious responsibility and HE honors them every time the children are being blessed. Our Great and Merciful God also expects us to see HIM in our parents and consider them with due respect and obedience.
Let's try to Love God through our own dear parents and hence please the Father in heaven who searches our heart beyond what we present outside. Also, May the Lord guide us to be the reflection of HIS love and Mercy when we are given the same responsibility of a Father or Mother in life...
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