Half the battle is already won because they prepared me for these challenges.

One normal morning, I woke up feeling healthy but extremely hungry. I was so hungry, in fact, that I rushed straight to the kitchen (I admit, I skipped my morning prayer), opened the refrigerator, and searched for whatever was left. I found a slice of pork belly and thought about cooking sweet brown pork curry, Burmese-style. Of course, I also needed to cook rice so that when the curry was ready, the rice would be ready too, making my morning meal complete.

After preparing the meal, I paused to praise and thank God for the warm curry and rice on this cold morning. Taking my first bite, mixing the pork curry with the rice, I realized how delicious it was, just like my mom’s cooking. At that moment, I felt close to home, even though I was far away, living alone. Then, it struck me: everything happens for a reason.

When I was younger, my mom often asked me to help her cook, and my dad taught me how to prepare a meal using just a few ingredients; skills to survive in any situation. As a child, I found these tasks boring. I would not say I liked participating. I hated every time the onions made me cry. I hated cleaning up the mess after cooking. I just wanted to be like other kids who spent their time playing games. I thought they were luckier and happier because their parents didn’t ask them to do housework.

Looking back now, I realize those experiences shaped me. They were not always enjoyable, but they prepared me for life as an adult. Thanks to my mom and dad involving me in housework and cooking, I have developed discipline and essential skills that have been invaluable in my life.

As Proverbs 22:6 says:

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

This verse reminds me that raising a child is not just about teaching rules or skills; it is about helping them grow into the person God created them to be. Every child is unique, and training them involves understanding their talents, guiding their character, and grounding them in faith.

I truly believe the way my parents raised me is a blessing. Today, I can cook some simple homemade curries to fill my stomach, which saves money and reminds me of home. It also gives me a sense of being alive, even during unexpected hard times far from my family.

This is just one example of the training and discipline my parents planted in me. As children, we absorb and learn so many things. There are good and bad influences around us, but my parents taught our brothers to choose wisely between the two. With the teachings of Jesus as their guide, they tried their best; maybe not perfectly, but with love and effort.

Now, when life gets tough, I find that many problems feel easier to manage because of the foundation they laid. Half the battle is already won because they prepared me for these challenges. I owe it all to my amazing parents who love Jesus and follow His teachings.

Just as God is our heavenly Father, parents have the role of shaping their children in love and faith. By teaching them God’s Word and leading by example, parents point their children toward a life centered on Christ. This is a reflection of God’s ultimate care for us as His children.

At my age, not as a parent, I realize that parenting is not always easy. In today’s world, where distractions like technology and social media pull children in many directions, guiding them requires even more wisdom and patience. But Proverbs 22:6 reassures us that the seeds we plant in our children’s hearts will grow and bear fruit in God’s time.

As we reflect on Proverbs 22:6, let’s think about how we are shaping the next generation. Whether we are parents, mentors, or friends, we all have a role in guiding people around us in their faith and character. What seeds are we planting today that will bear fruit tomorrow?

Looking back on my childhood, I realize my parents were not just teaching me to cook, they were teaching me discipline, responsibility, and gratitude. These lessons are living proof of Proverbs 22:6. They trained me in the way I should go, and even now, far from home, I carry their teachings with me.

Let us pray for wisdom to guide the children in our lives according to God’s Word. May we plant seeds of faith, love, and discipline, trusting that He will nurture them into a harvest of blessings. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

For those who want the simple recipe;

Ingredients

Sliced pork belly (or any pork cut of your choice)
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
Cooking oil
Onion (finely chopped or blended)
Garlic paste
Ginger paste
Salt and seasoning powder (optional, to taste)

Instructions

Caramelize the Sugar

Heat a pan on medium heat and add a small amount of cooking oil.
Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to the oil and stir continuously until the sugar melts and the oil turns golden brown.
Turn off the heat immediately to prevent the sugar from burning (if overcooked, the sugar will turn black and thicken the oil).

2. Cook the Pork

Add the sliced pork to the pan with the caramelized sugar. Stir the pork continuously to coat it evenly in the caramel mixture.
Turn the heat back on to medium and continue stirring until the pork changes color to a reddish-brown shade.

3. Simmer the Pork

Pour enough water into the pan to cover the pork completely.
Add onion, garlic paste, and ginger paste into the pan. Mix well.

4. Check for Softness

Let the mixture simmer until the water reduces.
Taste the pork for texture. If it isn’t soft enough, add more water and let it simmer again. Repeat this process until the pork reaches your desired softness.

5. Season to Taste

Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning by adding salt or other seasoning powders if needed.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once the pork is tender and the curry is thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat.
Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy your homemade Burmese-style sweet brown pork curry!

How My Parents’ Discipline and Faith Shaped My Journey

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