so, I love my parents

I'm debating whether I should write this or not. Or post it publicly.

I grew up in a very religious environment. Although, I didn't really get into it until my late middle school years when I attended a youth camp. That eventually led to me wanting to be involved in a youth group constantly. My sophomore year until my second year of college was when I was extremely active in it. After that, I got married & moved away & I haven't found anything like that. Well, it wouldn't be a youth group anymore, it would be something for married couples, young adults, etc. Still, I wanted to help with the youth. Jason & I have talked about becoming youth leaders once things settled down with the Navy or after he gets out. Being an "ate" for so many years & watching younger youth (my babies) grow up (physically..but most of all spiritually) touched me in so many ways. Seeing them closer to the Lord, doing things they were so shy to do when they first started out. The very last retreat Jason & I helped out at was a month before we got married. & I remember, at the very last service team meeting, I cried. I always cry, but this was because I was in awe & I was so happy & I could see the Lord working through the youngins. Now, I feel old because I don't know half of the people in the group. But it's okay. I love looking at pictures & watching videos from their events. BUT, nights like tonight made me a little sad. There was a parent honoring in our area. For those that don't know what I'm talking about: there are different areas for the youth group because it's across the state/country. We are the southern Maryland area. What a parent honoring consists of (from I've heard) is the parents of that area are invited to dinner type of thing. The youths from the other area come down & cook dinner for whoever's area it is. After dinner, the youth from the area (SoMD), HONOR their parents. Just say thank you...etc..whatever. They are your parents. My brother asked me to go & the parent coordinators were urging me to go...and I planned on it. Except, Matthias got sick today. So, we stayed home. My brother calls me & asks if I'd like to do it over the phone & I said fine. Come to find out, there was only my brother & one other youth (well two, but they are brothers) whose parents were there. That made me sad. I know there could be conflict of schedules & whatnot, but it's for your parents. & I know, a lot of times, we don't understand why our parents do what they do. There are a few of us who have a good relationship with our parents & those are the lucky few. More often than not, especially at that age, we don't really get along with our parents. & I'm not going to say I got along with mine when I was that age, because that would be a lie. Yes, we get into arguments with our parents, but they are still our parents & we are still their children. Our parents will always love us & whatever we do, they will still love us. Maybe it's because I am a mother now, but they really do want the best for us. Face it, if it weren't for your parents, you wouldn't be here. Be thankful for that. I want to encourage everyone to take the time to tell your parents "thank you." Not for buying you things that you want or for letting you do things you want to do. Just a thank you for everything. My parents don't have to take me, Matti & Teddi in, but they are. How often do you tell your parents thank you & I honor you for.....?? Our parents may be strict at times or in general, but just keep doing what you have to do. I can tell you, everything will fall into place. Everything happens for a reason. What our parents do for us, they have a reason. & it's not to make our lives miserable. I'm pretty sure that's the last thing they want to do. Anyway, I'll end it here. Go make your parents dinner, take them out to dinner, clean the house, whatever....just make sure you thank them. They do a lot.

*This was a rant that turned into something else so I will be posting*