Father's Day Thoughts

Our pastor has been doing a series called Generations. He spoke today about honoring our fathers, being as it is Father's Day. For some reason, a verse he used jumped out at me. It is something I (and most Christians) have read over and over and have been reciting since I was young. It is part of the Ten Commandments, and it says:
"Honor your father and mother so that you'll live a long time in the land that God, your God, is giving you." Exodus 20:12 The Message Bible
Now, like most Christians, I have tried to keep that in my heart and mind. I know that there have been numerous occasions where I have not obeyed this commandment. I have caused my parents grief, ignored their words of wisdom, and more. However, I would like to think that I have also been good to them--or at least given back a sliver of the love that they have shown toward me. Today, as the pastor uttered those words from the Bible, I began to think. Honoring my dad and mom means more than just saying that I love them. Honoring them would be:
1. making sure that I pray for their safety, happiness, and overall wellbeing on a daily basis
2. not speaking negative about them in any way--even if I disagree with something they have said or a situation they have been in
3. realizing that they are human just like me, and that they will stumble--but always being there to help them back up as they have been there for me
4. treating ALL of the fathers and mothers in my life with respect
Those are just a few ways to bring honor to them. I am sure there are more that I haven't jotted down, but hopefully that paints a vivid enough picture. Being a dad or mom is not an easy job. In fact, I am sure that even though we signed up for it, there have been times when all of us have wanted to throw in the towel and quit because we did not believe we were adequately prepared for the job. I want to live a long, healthy, happy life. I want my dad and mom to do the same. If God simply asks me to honor them, then I will do that and hopefully much more. Ultimately, if I honor them, I am honoring my Heavenly Father, and what better is there to Him than that?