Favorite Child

I can easily recall times in my childhood when being selected for "flag holder", or "line leader" or teachers helper for the day, made me feel special. I even remember how great it felt in Junior High to have been named to the cheerleading squad. As a sophmore in High School the most breathless moment was when may name appeared on a call back list for the lead role in the musical! I didn't get the part, but felt such recognition in having been considered.

When my children were young they would tease each other by saying "I'm the favorite" if they recieved some small token or praise. As they each got older I found that time spent alone with each child was such a wonderful gift to me. I would often bribe them to accompany me to the store or on outings( they got to pick a place for lunch or a special treat to add to the cart). I then adopted a new phrase for extending invitations to them. "The one who spends time with me is my favorite." It wasn't all about what I wanted to do, I would sit with my son and play video games(poorly I might add), or watch some goofy teen movie with my daughters, maybe even plan an impromptu party that allowed me to include and get aqainted with their friends. I really wanted to know them and the world that they lived in. I wanted the time together to reflect something of who I was, aside from chief cook and bottle washer. I wanted them to know me, and recognize my presence in their life.

It may sound a bit elementary, but when our babies are small they need us to care and protect and feed them even before they know their own needs. At around two years old they begin to explore the world and perhaps understand consequence by way of boo boos. Some bumped heads or skinned knees can define limits and encourage challange. At around five they struggle to include others in their world. By the age of eight they now have tried to express what they like and don't like.( For my son it was no more kisses in front of others). For me, this connection with them constantly meant giving them room to grow and lots of love. It also meant being asafe place to fall when the world was hard, it meant creating space in the relationship to consider who they were and what guidance they might require. That was the intention in having my children to begin with. I wanted to know them and teach them to know themselves before God and others.

There are many oppertunities that God has provided for me to share of His world. I see Him as a benevolent parent who invites me to go with Him. I always recieve a special treat when in His presence. I enjoy the generosity of all the good things He lavishes on me by way of bessings. I love that He prepares a banquet table for me in the bread and cup. And He always wants to meet my friends, He would give anything for me to want time with Him as a priority! That is why He gave His son Jesus as an ambassodor of His great love to invite me into His family.

And I too sometimes ask " am I your favorite!" His spirit reminds me that whoever wants to spend time with Him certainly is!!!!