Hello, God. It's me, Mara.

Respect, what is respect, Lord? It seems like our idea of respect has really changed in the last decade or two, wouldn't You say so, too, Lord? Perchance, do any of us even remember that, in essence, respect might be admiration, consideration, deference, honor, reverence, regard or even value.

In this day and age, psychedelic shorts and a cap are worn in church - we pause a moment to wonder, where is respect for the house of God? Calling the pastor by his given name in public, where is respect for the cloth, the office of the profession?

Wearing shorts and sloppy shoes or tennis shoes under the graduation gown, the most special day in a young person's life, where is respect for the occasion?

Scholarships were presented to high school graduates. At an honor party for parents and friends many of the recipients came forward to accept their awards in careless dress. Where is the respect for an honor bestowed? At this particular party, one or the other parent of these young people was missing for all but one lad. Where is the respect of the child or for others?

Private and public lands don't escape, either. In town or country, many people are careless, thoughtless, and lack concern for others or for future generations. These qualities are symptomatic of a self-centered generation.

We know, Lord, that our Father created all people; creating them differently for reasons and purpose we may not understand. Regardless of how we perceive other people to be, we are all God's creation.

Respect also ought to mean, leaving every part of this world - people, places and things - better than we found it or them. It is God's will for us to show respect to everyone as stated in Romans 12:10, "Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other." Thank You, Lord.

Love, Mara.