I have seen many people taking their parents for granted on many occasions. There
are the people who take for granted things like having a roof over their heads,
food to eat, water to drink and having someone watch over them when they are
young. There are also people who forget about the 'behind-the-scenes' things parents do for them such as financial generosity, giving time and showing interest, tidying up after you (especially the bedroom!!!), ensuring you are safe or just understanding when things go wrong and trying to comfort you. Lots of people don't show respect for their parents and don't realise the sacrifices parents make out of love for their children. Whether it is the big or small things in life, everyone should appreciate every little thing and not just from their parents, but everyone we are blessed to be around, because who knows when today might be the last day. Mary and Joseph made so many sacrifices to bring up Jesus the way God wanted and planned and Jesus respected that and was thankful. It was particularly amazing that Mary was only about 13 when the angel Gabriel visited her. This alone shows true courage and amazing faith in God to take in something that huge at such a young age. Not many women from any time would be able to cope with the situations and challenges Mary was faced with.This shows that God was working through Mary (and Joseph) in huge and amazing ways. Children today need to learn from Jesus' example (and not just children, but every single person) to love and respect their elders. They must also love and respect everyone around them and 'love your neighbour as yourself' (Mark 12:31). Mary and Joseph cared for Jesus at all times, and parents should learn from their example of love, faith and respect.