Today’s scripture: Genesis 30 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Terri Brown):
We all want things we cannot have. Some of us work hard to attempt to achieve goals. Others take what we may not deserve.
Jacob appears in Genesis 30, as someone who is doing well with the many flocks he has been tending while working for Laban who is the father of his wives. His wives begin to help him flourish as they give him sons. When the favored one, Rachel, bears a son, Joseph, Jacob iasks to return to his homeland with his family, flocks and servants.
Laban wants to continue to prosper and credits Jacob with his success. He offers wages to keep Jacob and sons with him and says that Jacob already has the beautiful wives, family and land which they will always have to use.
But, Jacob is able to change the good fortunes that Laban was experiencing while he was present. Through trickery, the good, strong flock remained with Jacob. But Jacob set events forward that caused Laban’s flocks to be the weaker. Those darn stripes! No longer the success that Laban had been having. I guess Jacob really wanted to leave!
We all can be guilty of similar “magic” when going after what we think we deserve. Often the hand of God will intervene in one way of the other. I have pushed my way through some experiences, especially when it comes to my children. Mothers especially attempt to make sure their children have the best of everything, including the best education, access to health care, the best possible place to live, and on and on.
I have become even more invested in my grandchildren because I spent some time in and out of hospitals when my children were young. I find myself trying to bend rules and set things in motion in my relationships with in-laws, exes and other parents so I can spend time with the grandchildren; to get what I want like Jacob. I am invested in their future and understand how Jacob felt about getting out from Laban so he could make a life on his own, giving the best for his family and benefit from the outcome of his efforts.
Thought for the day: When you go after something you want do you stop to ask for the hand of God to guide you through the process? Take some time today to consider those desires and what you may do to create a way to make it
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.