Feeling Stepped On?

A friend sent this picture in an email and the caption read, "How to tell if you're Mom's favorite."




As I looked at it, I wondered, was the fed bird actually the favorite? Perhaps the other sibling was a glutton and snagged all the worms and she needed to hold him down? Perhaps she had stepped on this one's head the last time to feed the other bird. Perhaps this really was her favorite and the other one was destined to always be last.


The possibilities are endless... especially in a writer's mind.





Thing is...
Things aren't always what they seem.


I'm thinking of the times I've felt in last place, looking around at others who have more, do more, are given more and win more. Much as I hate to admit it, I've cried, "But God, look at them. They have two and I have none. What's up with that?"


I'm not proud, but there it is.


Awhile ago, I remember reading in the Bible of when Jesus commissioned Peter to feed his sheep. (John 22) Peter looks back behind them and says, "But what about him?" And he indicated John, who considered himself to be the one Jesus loved. Maybe John was one of Jesus' favorites. He stuck with Jesus all the way to the cross while the others fled. Either way, John knew where he stood with his master and Peter seemed to not be so sure, especially after Jesus asked him three times if he really loved him.

I love Jesus' answer which was basically, "What I chose to do with him isn't important to you. What's important is that you follow what I say for you to do." (My paraphrase- go read it yourself to see if you think I've interrupted it right.)

Jesus had big plans for Peter. He was the rock the God would establish his church upon. Peter had a bumpy road ahead and he needed to just focus on what God had called him to do and not worry about what others were going to do. This is the point, I think, Jesus was trying to make to him, and us.

Individuals...
We are who we are. God is no respecter of persons. The sooner I can learn to keep my eyes focused on Him and not my circumstances, and definitely not other's circumstances, the more my steps become firm. For he promises to guard our steps and to walk with us always. (Ps. 91)


We were created with a heavenly plan and purpose in mind. Each of us unique with our own quacks... uh, I mean quirks. For good or bad, we are who we are.


Since He doesn't make mistakes, then what are we so concerned about?


J.