Honor: A Gift of Life

What we focus on here is the giving of life by parents and the acceptance of life by children. This exchange of giving and receiving is not just a typical exchange; it is the gift of life itself. Parents give their children life unconditionally, offering their very selves. When parents give their children life, they do so in the same way their own parents gave them life—faithfully passing on life without any additions, subtractions, or reservations. In this way, the child not only belongs to the parents but also becomes the continuation of their parents' lives. The order of love requires the child to fully accept the life inherited from their parents, without resistance or fear, accepting their parents exactly as they are, without expecting them to be any different. This complete acceptance is a humble process that allows us to surrender to the laws of life and our personal destiny. Through everything our parents have given us, we surrender to the limitations we encounter in life, to the opportunities we receive, and to the entanglements, burdens, joys, and everything that come with our family’s fate. Through the following exercise, we can experience the impact of accepting life in this way: Imagine kneeling before your parents, bowing deeply, extending your hands with palms facing upward, and saying to them, “I am honored to have you as my father and mother.” Then, stand up, look into their eyes, and thank them for giving you life.