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Key Bible Verse: This is the promise: If you honor your father and mother, "You will live a long life, full of blessing" Ephesians 6:3). Bonus Reading: Deuteronomy 5:16

My friend Derek grew up in a messed-up home. His dad left when he was young. His whole family fell apart after the divorce. He lived with his mom, but was basically on his own from age 13 on. After graduating from high school, Derek became a Christian on a cross-country bike trip. He put himself through college by starting his own company to renovate old houses. He's now on staff with a campus ministry.

Because of the dysfunction in their families, Derek and his wife, Angie (also from a divorced home), and their two children have the world's worst holiday travel schedule. They see as many of the multiple sides of their families as they can. In addition, Derek has initiated a relationship with his father, a well-paid business consultant, and tries to see him at least once a year, despite his father's unpredictable travel schedule.

I've never heard Derek speak bitterly about his father or his past. Derek and Angie consider themselves the first generation to end the cycle of dysfunction in their families and set a new foundation for their kids. Instead of hiding or feeling sorry for themselves, they've resolved to deal head-on with the awkwardness of it all, and not give up on their strained family relationships.

—Craig Dunham in TwentySomeone

My Response: Do I thank God for what I've received, or dwell on what I didn't get?

Adapted from TwentySomeone (WaterBrook, 2003) by permission.

Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, help me to grasp how it is that You expect me, as a grown-up, to honor my parents.

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