Parents

I honor my parents as people God placed in my life, whatever their imperfections

I recognize the sacrifices my parents made, even when they did not do everything right

I am grateful for what was given to me rather than fixated on what was lacking

I make contact with my parents regularly — a call, a visit, a note

I listen to my parents' stories and wisdom rather than tuning them out

I look for practical ways to care for my parents as they age

I choose to forgive my parents for ways they wounded me — not to excuse it, but to be free

I do not require my parents to be perfect before I engage with them

I hold appropriate boundaries without holding contempt

I bring the hurt from my upbringing to God rather than carrying it into every interaction

I seek healing through counsel rather than expecting my parents to fix what they may not even see

I treat my parents with basic dignity even when the relationship is painful