You know how you have those clarifying moments in life? Well, I had one of those Saturday night. My parents had come by around 6 p.m., and then they went on home. Mike and I settled back to watch some teaching dvds, and the phone rang. My dad said, “Jan, I need you and Mike to come over right now. Something is wrong with Nanna.” Those weren’t his exact words, but the point was something was wrong.

Mike and I were up and running around the house, getting on shoes, and jumping into the car. You better believe that I prayed to God for help, and then I got on the trusty cell phone and called in the troops. I called two close friends who would start praying, and that I knew would contact our life group and the prayer chain. I called my sisters and my brother.

As soon as we got to their house, we loaded my mom and dad into the car and flew like the wind. That little Toyota “got broke in” that night.

We wheeled into the hospital and the emergency staff members were amazing in how quickly they got my mom back there. I praise God for great medical personnel and for that trusty cell phone! Oh yes, and my little Toyota!

We weren’t there long before the rest of the family was there. I must say that we took up quite a bit of space in that waiting room. Four grown kids who have grown kids who have kids does add up to quite a sum of people. That night the Register clan prayed. As one of my friends said, “When the matriarch of the family is having health problems, you better believe the family will pray.”

God was gracious that night, and shed His mercy on us. Thank You, God! I truly believe that this close encounter was a wake-up call for all of us.

We are not guaranteed tomorrow. Our parents are not guaranteed tomorrow. We better appreciate what we have before it is gone. Yes, I know all about how busy your life is. Mine is too! I know all about how many things your kids are doing, how demanding your boss is, and how tired you are at the end of the day. Deal with it!

Our moms and dads took care of us when we were healthy and when we were sick. They hauled us to ball practice, cheer practice, band practice, and whatever else we wanted to do. They got up in the middle of the night to care for us. They worked extra hours to pay for clothes and food and whatever we needed. They put their lives on hold so that we could have a life.

Now, that they are older, they need us. Don’t gripe when your mom and dad need you to do something for them. Consider it an honor to do that for the ones that gave you LIFE! We are to honor our parents. Doesn’t it say that in the Bible? Honor your mother and your father.

Here’s a place to start. Go see them for an hour or two. Put your busy little life on hold and sit there and talk about things that they did growing up. Talk about what you did when you were going up. Spend TIME with them. Hug them and tell them that you love them. They need to hear that you care.

Right now, put down what you are reading and call your mother. Call your dad. Don’t have your wife call them, you do it. Every parent loves to hear the voice of their children. It is music to their ears.

I decree and declare that this is Love Your Parents Week. Now, go forth, and do it.