Day 8 – Living Boldly: Your Parents Were Not Always Boring

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Your parents weren’t always boring. Believe it or not, they had lives, interests, and a lot more freedom before you came along. Here’s the truth: your parents’ lives changed dramatically the moment you entered the picture. It’s not that you’re a problem; I’m not saying that at all, but raising a child comes with enormous responsibility. Paying bills, doing laundry, and keeping up with your needs leave little time for the fun or spontaneity they had prior to having children. Their sacrifices are often invisible, but they are made out of love for you and the belief that their life is worth more than their former freedoms. Parenting is a picture of the gospel: giving up your freedom for the good of others.

Rick’s 31-Day Devotions

• 31-Day Marriage Devotion
• 31-Day Parenting Devotion
• 31-Day Young Adult Devotion

See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled (Hebrews 12:15).

A Call to Honor Your Parents

Before you move out to start your life, take a moment to think about what your parents have done for you. May I frame it this way: Do you have high expectations for how others should treat you while neglecting to honor the sacrifices your parents have made? One way to show gratitude is by pitching in to help with household responsibilities. Small acts of service can go a long way in showing them respect and appreciation.

What If Your Parents Haven’t Been Great?

Maybe your experience is different. Perhaps your parents haven’t sacrificed for you or have failed in real ways. Maybe you’ve felt more like a burden to them than a blessing. If that’s the case, I’m sorry for your experience. It’s painful when parents fail to fulfill their God-given roles. But even if your parents haven’t led well, you can choose a different path—not by reacting sinfully to them but by responding redemptively to God.

What if you became the responsible one in your family? Instead of letting their failures define you, you can rise above and become the grown-up in the room. Parental irresponsibility doesn’t have to be your destiny. You can break the cycle and create a new legacy for your future family.

Don’t Carry the Chip

For years, I carried a chip on my shoulder because I felt cheated by life, especially by my parents. My bitterness grew into resentment and unforgiveness, poisoning my heart and clouding my judgment. Eventually, I realized I was no better than my parents.

I complained about their failures without addressing my own. The Bible word for this is hypocrisy. One day, your parents will no longer be here. When that day comes, the choices you make will be entirely your own. Blaming them won’t be an option then. It would prove wise to respond differently today.

Time to Reflect

1. If you have good parents, how are you showing them gratitude? Are you practicing honor by serving and appreciating them?
2. If your parents haven’t been great, how are you working to make your life and your family history different? What steps can you take to change the narrative in your home, setting up a restorative pattern for your future family?
3. Take time today to reflect on your relationship with your parents. Whether they’ve been faithful or fallen short, you have the opportunity to honor them and grow into the person God has called you to be.

Let’s live boldly, choosing gratitude, forgiveness, and responsibility as we build lives that glorify God.

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Rick Thomas

Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.

In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).