Now Jacob lived in the land where his father had sojourned, in the land of Canaan. These are the records of the generations of Jacob.
Joseph, when seventeen years of age, was pasturing the flock with his brothers while he was still a youth, along with the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives. And Joseph brought back a bad report about them to their father. Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his sons, because he was the son of his old age; and he made him a varicolored tunic. His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers; and so they hated him and could not speak to him on friendly terms. Genesis 37:1-4 NASB
I hope when people ask my sons, “who is your father’s favorite?”, they all answer- “I feel like its me!, but, I really don’t know”. Of course, my daughter unequivocally is my favorite (and only) daughter. Kids in the same household will argue and fight at times. But, significant dysfunction can come about when their is favoritism. It’s a relationship killer. Jacob loved Joseph more than the other kids and he showed it. His brothers resented Joseph so much, they couldn’t even speak to him. It didn’t help that he was a spoiled little ‘tattle-tale’. James (the earthly brother of Jesus) probable understood favoritism or at least the feelings of envy and jealousy. He wrote “My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism.” James 2:9 No matter how we feel about our kids, it is imperative that we impart the gospel to each of them. I praise God for the faith of my sons and daughter. Ok, here is the big reveal… Kai, I have loved you longest (no one can ever take that away). Eden, you are uniquely loved as my daughter. You are precious beyond measure. Keanu (the cool breeze over the mountain), that’s how I feel every time I see you- refreshed. Kaenan, who else would hold my hand while we drive down the street? We have that kind of affection. So, the winner is… Kennedy! My granddaughter wins it all. Lol. But, Carter is rising up in the ranks. And no one will ever supplant your wonderful mother Maureen, who is foremost, before all.
How can I express my love and affection for the children God has entrusted to my care? In what ways are they, as adults, now passing that love to their friends and family?
God, as this day begins- I look forward to some very important moments of ministry. Prepare the way as I take on some additional responsibilities. Help me balance the day with studies in law. Thank you for my children (who are really Your children, on loan). May they thrive as adults in whatever situation accompanies them today. I am grateful for my lovely wife and how she has raised them.
