Lately my kids have been all about "fairness". They deem my generosity toward another kid as "unfair", while all I'm really trying to do is love on my kids with a few extra M&M's when (I thought) no one was looking. What I found myself telling them is to focus on what they are receiving, not what someone else has received.
And as I said this, I stopped.
How many times do I look at the gifts others have been given and think, "What about me?" "When do I get to do/have/receive ____?" "When is it my turn?". I can't help but focus on others and how wonderfully they've embraced the gifts God has given them, all the while thinking about why I can't do or have or receive the same.
What God is continually speaking to my heart is "Shannon, I love you. Don't worry about what I've given them. Are you jealous that I'm being generous with my own children? Look at what I've given you! Find a way to appreciate and grow the talents you've been gifted without fear of someone else's talent. I've always taken care of you, and I always will."
Thanks, God. You've got this; time to let go of my jealous nature and time to embrace and cultivate the gifts you've given me. Love you, dad. Thanks for the gifts.