Although not as frequently as before (especially our first year of marriage), Gina and I still occasionally have arguments with each other. They are more arguments than all-out fights these days, but we still deal with them here and there. What I am slowly learning from our arguments is this: there are always two sides to an argument, and it is crucial that I really try to understand her side before I react. This takes time, patience, and humility – three things that I do not always have.
The same goes for you and your parent(s). It may not even be arguments – any conversation that you have with your mom or dad involves two sides or perspectives. But here’s the key: you have to talk to figure out where the other person is coming from! Whether you realize it or not, talking (and not just arguing) with your parent(s) is a GOOD thing! Just as much as you need them to hear how you feel about certain things in your life, you need to hear how they feel about those same things. At the last XLG, we learned how we could do a better job of honoring our parents. I hope you took that to heart and that you actually showed your parent(s) how you honor and love them. But don’t confuse doing chores and keeping your grades up with communication. Having conversations with your mom and/or dad while trying your hardest to understand where they’re coming from is a must.
Your parent(s) may be the ones who initiate conversation with you, but maybe not. Don’t wait for them to talk to you when you have something to say. God desires that our relationship with our parent(s) be the best they can be. So do your part!
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