The Secret to Live A Long Life: Is to Honor Your Parents

Well, living a long life is not just about eating healthy food, or making sure you’re getting proper sleep, or even exercising regularly.

The secret to living a long life is simply by honoring your parents. The Bible says you will live a long life when you honor your father and mother. (Exodus 20:12)

This is part of the 10 commandments with a promise. And God wants you to respect your parents.

Children’s attitude about parents

Sometimes parents scolded their children, especially when they are quite stubborn.

When I was a kid, I was wondering what would be my future look like if I grew up with a different parent. At the back of my mind, I was trying to compare my father or mother with other parents.

When my parents were upset with me, I usually sat in a corner and wished I have different parents.

I was imagining how it feels to be a son of a prominent politician or businessman like the Ayala family?

This is probably because my mind was not able to define the difference between fantasy and reality. My understanding of the sacrifices of my parents is quite limited.

Also, I watched a movie about an adopted child who was being beaten and abused by his foster parents but eventually found his biological parents.

Such wishful thinking is probably natural especially if a kid grew up from poverty. For instance, your parents can’t afford to buy your favorite robot car, then you begin to complain to your parents.

In other words, I was dreaming like I wished I have control of who will be my parents.

Matured attitude about parents 

But here’s an important truth about parenting: parents want the best for their children.

My parents are now gone and they’re not perfect. My father died when we were still small so my mother did all her best to give us a better future. I believe they have done their best to love us.

When I grew up and became a parent, I deeply realized the feeling of being a parent and how to train our children.

Yes. Some parents are strict, others are permissive. But the truth is every parent is unique and they just wanted you to succeed and become a responsible adult.

Trust me. My 10-year-old son was diagnosed with diabetes last time. And it’s really a painful experience for us seeing him injecting insulin before mealtime.

I wish I could take his place so he would not suffer. And I guess that’s the instinct of every parent.

This is the reason why you should respect and honor your parent and you will have a long life when you respect your mother and father.

To honor your parent means to have an attitude of genuine concern, obedience, reverence,  and appropriate attention.

Sad to say, some parents have been taken for granted especially when children have grown and started to build their own families.

Many times, we are too busy with our work and have no opportunity to spend quality time with our aging parents.

On some occasions parents have been suffering from dementia, loneliness, due to declining of health that needs care and loving attention.

It is sad but true.

Honor and love your parents 

I understand parents are not perfect and they are making mistakes. But if you want to live a long life, you need to honor and respect them.

Never ignore your parents. Never shout at them. Listen to them. Don’t hold grudges. Make sure you give time to call them and send cards. Take time to reconnect as they grow old.

Whether we like it or not, we will not be here on Earth without them. Love your parents because they will not be there forever.

Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. — Exodus 20:12

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Mr JUN AMPARO is the author of two inspirational books about personal finance and marriage. He is a motivational speaker, blogger, and nominee for Huwarang OFW 2019 Individual Category organized by The 700 Club Asia. Presently, he is currently working as a university counselor at Asia-Pacific International University in Thailand.