It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves, that will make them successful human beings.

Today, I honor two important people in my life. My parents.

This article has been inspired by a change that has taken place that requires some adjustments. You see, my parents recently relocated to their upcountry home after living in Nairobi for many years. This may not be a big deal for some people, but it has been a great deal for me, guess separation anxiety. My siblings and I have always had easy access to our parents as they lived very close to us. As a result, they were readily available for counsel, guidance, comfort and love.

To you my beloved parents.

Forty years ago, I had the privilege of being born into the Family. I did not know what was in store for me back then. Before I could have a chance to enjoy your undivided love, you made a decision to have other children and alas, three others were born into this family. Even though we were born very close to each other, or as I like to put it born do re mi fa, you took good care of us.

I have always known you as people who love and fear God. That is evident in the way you live your lives. You trained us in the ways of the Lord from a tender age. We had to read the Bible and pray most evenings before going to bed. The mantra was, the family that prays together, stays together. I believe those prayers have helped us over the years. As a result of your faith, I have come to know and love the Lord personally. I serve Him from a point of love. I thank you for introducing Him to me. Lesson: Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22.6.

Mother. I am always amazed by how you wake up early every morning to seek the Lord’s face and pray for so many. I know deep down in my heart that I am where I am today because of those prayers. I struggle to wake up early to pray. But I remember your action, and I remember to whisper a prayer for my family in the morning before I leave the house. I remember how after work, you’d get home and say hi to us and go straight to your room to do business with God. I still have a long way to go in emulating these attributes but thank you for your inspiration. Lesson: In the morning, Lord, You hear my voice, in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly. Psalm 5.3.

You still rise early and ensure that you have set out meals for your family. Your pancakes are like no other! My husband agrees. Thank you for your quiet and gentle spirit that has won over your family. When we thought that our punishments were unjust, you directed us in doing the right thing. Respecting our dad. You have been a pillar of strength. You have cried with me many times and provided me with godly wisdom. You understand my big-headedness but always found a suitable solution for me. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Proverbs 31.28.

Dad. I am glad that I have had the privilege of having a present father. A dad. Growing up, there was no doubt who was the head of the home. A provider. A protector. You were quite tough on us. Now that I’m a parent, I look back and tend to understand where you would have been coming from. Here are four rascals (sorry, siblings) who are foolish in their ways and in need of guidance.

You did not spare the rod so that we would not be spoilt. You challenged us to think about our futures and not to be stuck in the here and now. We had to earn our pocket money. You taught us the value of work and money. If we failed, we had no right to the money. Lesson: Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in His holiness. Hebrews 12.9-10.

I remember we had to read the Bible most days, even when we didn’t feel like it. You encouraged us to write down our prayer requests every 31st December when at home. You would pray over each request made by your family for long until we crossed over into the new year. Poor knees, coz you made us kneel for the long prayers. Every child in the neighborhood knew you because of your friendly personality but also that you didn’t fear disciplining them. It is sad that we cannot correct children that are not our own nowadays because things have changed so much.

My husband says that I am my father’s daughter. I choose to identify with your positive attributes that I have taken from you. (Laughter in the background). I have appreciated the value of hard work, maintaining a relationship with God and the value of loving family because of you. Thank you.

Thank you for releasing me to a wonderful family without any restrictions or meddling. I have a great family, my husband’s family, and I feel that I belong.

You, my parents, admit that you are not perfect human beings. You have allowed us to see that you are normal; you have weaknesses. We have been able to see God’s transforming power in your lives. As a result, you have had a positive influence on many people. We have gone through good and bad times, times that have defined our paths. Through it all, you reminded us what was important. Running to God in both good and bad times.

In return, I pray that I, together with my siblings, may honor you for all that you have done over the years. I pray that you take pride in what you have done with us. The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him. Proverbs 23.24.

I love and honor you. My husband, children, siblings, and my friends who know you, do too.

Thank you. And may God bless you in your new journey.