Family

My siblings and I used to argue about who was the “favorite” child, in fact, sometimes, we still do. I guess we define “favorite” as the one that gets all of the recognition, benefits, and love of our parents. Our parents, on the other hand, have always gone to great lengths not to show favoritism (even though I know that I am the favorite). They show just the right amount of love, respect, and care for each of us; doing their best to keep us all a “family” and striving to help us recognize the benefits at being in unity. Our family and family dynamics are not unique though. As I look around at other “families” – biological, ideals, communities, churches, etc. I see each of us wanting to be the “favorite”, even if it cost the other. Even the Scriptures have examples of this human desire to be the most important. 2 Samuel 19 tells the story of King David being restored to the throne after the defeat of his son Absalom. Instead of spending time celebrating victory the tribes began arguing about who was the most important to the king, about how many “shares” they had. Imagine how the celebration was marred by the in-fighting of family. It is tough, as individuals, to sit by and watch “others” get the attention that we desire – perhaps even tougher when we are family. Perhaps we need to strive to focus more on the benefits of being at “One” with family instead of being the individual “favorite”. The Kingdom will grow much faster – the celebration be much better if we work as One. Blessings