August 26
A Promise
Broken
"Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long time in the land the Lord your God is giving you."
Exodus 20:12 (NIrV)
Dwayne paced the living room, his heart hammering against his ribs. The place was a disaster—spilled drinks, broken glass, a stain on the carpet that he prayed wasn’t permanent. The coffee table had a leg missing, and there was an awful smell lingering in the air. He rubbed his hands over his face. How had this happened?
He had promised his parents he would be responsible. They were away for the weekend, visiting his sick aunt, and they had trusted him to look after the house. “No parties,” his mom had said. “Keep the place clean,” his dad had added. Dwayne had nodded, assuring them he’d respect their wishes. But then, one friend came over. Then another. Then someone posted about it on social media, and suddenly, their quiet home turned into a nightclub.
The music had been too loud. Strangers showed up. People he didn’t even know were drinking in his kitchen, jumping on the furniture, and yelling in the backyard. He had tried to stop it, but it was like trying to hold back a flood with his bare hands. Then the police arrived. The neighbors had called them because of the noise. By the time they cleared everyone out, it was almost dawn, and the damage was everywhere.
Now, standing in the middle of the mess, Dwayne felt sick with regret. He had let his parents down. He had dishonored their trust. They had given him responsibility, and he had thrown it away for one reckless night. He was still scrubbing the kitchen counters when he heard the front door open.
His parents were home early.
His mother’s sharp inhale cut through the silence. His father’s eyes scanned the room, his face unreadable. “Dwayne,” his dad said slowly, his voice heavy with disappointment, “what have you done?”
Dwayne swallowed hard. He wanted to run, to make excuses, to disappear. But instead, he did something he hadn’t done in a long time—he closed his eyes and whispered, “God, I messed up. Please help me make this right.”
For the first time, he understood what it meant to honor his parents. It wasn’t just about obeying rules—it was about respect, about love, about keeping his word. He had failed, but maybe, with God’s help, he could start again.
Prayer:
Dear God,
I have made mistakes, and I have let people down—especially those who trust me.
Please forgive me for the times I have been careless and dishonored the ones who love me.
Help me to be responsible, to think before I act, and to honor my parents not just with my words but with my choices.
Thank You for Your grace, even when I fall short.
Teach me to walk in wisdom and to earn back trust through my actions.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
