Honor Your Parents. Don't Covet

Yisro

"A better mom and dad, I was denied.
With the ones I got, I am not satisfied. 

They condemned me, for the littlest thing. 
To this day, I still feel the sting.

They always lived, beyond their means. 
And they didn't encourage me, to pursue my dreams.

They sat by when I was picked on, by my older brother.
(After years of therapy, that is what I discovered.)

Everything I do by them, gets a negative spin. 
Is it any wonder, the lousy shape I am in?!
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But look at that family, over there. 
Zero dysfunction. As for me that feels unfair!

I look at another friend. What a sense of security and unconditional love he was given.
As for me...my parents will never be forgiven!"
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On rare cases parents are legendary; virtually as good at parenting as they possibly can be. 
Role models, of the highest degree.

Many try hard, and are basically good.
And though they don't always parent, the way that they should.

That there kid do great, on their personal wish list, there is nothing above. 
True they are imperfect, but they are full of love. 

Others have many shortcomings, and can be quite selfish at times, 
But they do love their kids. That is the bottom line. 

But, sadly there are some who are awful, and are the reason that their kids are in such pain. 
Sadly in adulthood, their children's scars remain
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In this parsha we speak of the two luchos or tablets, which came down from heaven. 
And we are told for example, commandment one corresponds with number six, commandment two with number seven.

The command on the left has a connection, with its corresponding command on the right.
And on a concept in Torah, it will shed some light.

For example ... belief in G-d is number one, number six is "Don't kill". 
This teaches that when people don't believe in G-d, chalila, people will be murdered at will.

"Honor thy father and mother ..." is command number five.
(Keep this, and you will merit, for a long time to stay alive.)

"Don't be jealous" is commandment number ten.
The lesson is this: If someone has better parents, don't be jealous of them! 

The parents you were given, are the  parents you were supposed to have - no others. 
(And while you are at it, tell that to your sister or brother). 

Thinking if only ... if only ... I would have had better parents my life wouldn't be as flawed as this!
Is tempting to think about, but that reality simply doesn't exist! 

To not wish for better parents, can be a difficult test. 
But do not be jealous of others parents. Honor your parents, and you will be blessed. 

Realize that there will always be better parents, that are not your own, 
And as for you, your destiny was to grow up in your parents' home.