Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for my parents.

In today's world it's rare to find a mom and dad that are still happily married after 30 years. And it's rare that this mom and dad also have two children that are smart, stable, and grounded. Honestly, other than drinking a little too much on occasion, my sister and I have  always been the good girls. And unless my sister is a closet crack addict and I just don't know it, I can say with confidence that we've never gotten into drugs and we've never been in trouble with the law. It's not that we've never made poor choices (trust me, I have my share), but we both try to make the best choices and live honorable, selfless lives to please the Lord. 

My parents must have done something right.

If I had to pick just one thing that my parents instilled in me as a child that has influenced my life, it would be accepting responsibility. It is no doubt easier to play the victim, point a finger, and blame other people for a situation, but that doesn't accomplish a thing. Accept responsibility. And while you may not always be completely responsible for a bad situation, you are responsible for how you respond to a bad situation. 

My parents not only taught me responsibility through their words, they have demonstrated it in their lives every day. They both have accepted their responsibility as parents, as spouses, as Christians, as employees, as friends, as homeowners, as teachers, etc. Actions, undoubtedly, speak louder than words. 

So to Mom and Dad--thank you! Because I don't say it enough and because I'll be forever thankful.