“Honor your father and your mother that your days may be long upon the land.” Exodus 20:12 (NKJV)
Rita dials. The telephone rings . . . and rings. She is about to hang up when Sandy, her sister, answers. “Rita, if it’s about Mama, I’m on
my way to the mall.”
“I have a doctor’s appointment,” replies Rita, “and I can’t leave Mama by herself that long.” “Then, get a sitter,” says Sandy.
“I couldn’t find anybody. She’s our mama, Sandy!” “And was never a good one,” Sandy replies. “Remember all those peas and rice
dinners we were raised on? And those second-hand clothes? We never once wore a dress that had a new tag on it!”
Rita sighs, “Mom did the best she could to hold things together. Dad had no life insurance, so it was tough on all of us after he passed
away.” “Listen,” says Sandy. “I found the only nursing home her pension will cover, but she whined and pleaded that she didn’t want to go. Well, you fell for it, so she’s all yours, baby sister!” “That home is woefully understaffed,” Rita says. “My research showed it rated two stars out of five. I even asked our brothers, but neither will help with her.”
“Because Mama spoiled them and never gave them responsibilities,” says Sandy. “You reap what you sow. And don’t throw any of that ‘Honor thy Father and Mother’ Bible stuff at me again,’ cause I’m not listening!”
“You don’t have to like someone in order to care about them and honor them,” Rita sighs. “Okay, Sandy, I’ll cancel my appointment — again.”
Our Father in heaven, help us to always honour our parents according to Your commandment. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.
— Kiki BelMonte-Schaller
Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.
The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website.
Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org