The Shadow Of My Porch Swing - The Presence Of God - Part 2Sample

GREEDY GUS

The sun is up and it is time to wake the sleeping bears. I have a love/hate relationship with mornings. I love standing in my boys’ room staring at all their sweet sleeping faces (yes, they all share one room.) However, I hate waking them up. How such a sweet face can morph into such immediate nastiness is a direct result of low blood sugar levels. I’ve suggested a solution to my husband, but it’s tricky. If we could just insert a feeding tube while they are sleeping and give them breakfast round one, I’m fairly confident that we could conquer breakfast round two without missiles flying.

Our kitchen is the perfect boxing ring because one particular Big bear lives and breathes in the realm of ‘fair’...well, as long as ‘fair’ favors him, if you get my drift.

Yesterday, he walked into the kitchen while brother was pouring cereal.  A LOT of cereal. I wasn’t surprised because this brother always eats the most, but the world ended for Big bear. Tears appeared and accusations began to fly. “He is greedy! His bowl has too much! It’s all the way full! He only thinks of himself! Greedy, greedy!” So I walk over and pour half the amount for Bigs. What?! I guess I must have stepped on his toe because the wails grow louder. ‘That's not enough. My bowl is only half full! You are unfair!” 

Now surely you can understand why I’m completely baffled and confused at this last retort. 

“Well, I don't want you to be accused of being greedy, since you are so upset about your brother’s bowl.”

The sharp reply comes, “That's not greedy, that's fair!”

“Well son...if it's fair and he is greedy then that makes you greedy too.”  Silence follows.

I wish I could say the lesson was learned, apologies given and we’ve all learned to give each other grace in the mornings. I can only say it’s all a work in progress. Me included. I find myself in just as many ‘fair fights’ mentally as I experience verbally with my kids. I do it at work, in school, at the grocery store, and most often sitting in church. 

Why is it OK to hold others to a different standard than I hold myself? 

Lord, may I be aware of the hidden judgments in my heart. Give me a heart of generosity in all things. A desire to think the best, assume the best and act in the best interest of others.