Today was a semi-productive day so far, cuz of Elder, but also cuz of the alarm stopping... oh well.
It's still happy though :)
Today's reading, what I noticed was two bad examples of parenthood. I think the Bible doesn't have perfect examples all the time, and they aren't clearly labelled as bad. But from what I feel and know, this shouldn't be the way.
5-6 But Abraham gave everything he possessed to Isaac. While he was still living, he gave gifts to the sons he had by his concubines, but then sent them away to the country of the east, putting a good distance between them and his son Isaac.
and
27-28 The boys grew up. Esau became an expert hunter, an outdoorsman. Jacob was a quiet man preferring life indoors among the tents. Isaac loved Esau because he loved his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.
We see a pattern where the father Abraham showed favouritism to the promised son, Isaac, and trying hard to ensure the nation would prosper. Yes big faith, believing that that one son will birth a nation, and prepared the way by "chasing" away his other sons. But I don't feel that is the way to go. Then we see the pattern repeat in Isaac, where he too had favourites. And his wife as well.
What I learn from this is that though we are called, though we have the promise, we can still do things wrongly. That's why God is so important in every aspect of our lives and not just ministry. So that we leave a legacy that is patterned after God. And that legacy not just the ministry that we served in, but a legacy that was our life while here on earth, and the impact it leaves in eternity.
Yup. Relationships are a major issue, because people matter. And when one is in a position of influence, it must be taken seriously, because we may not know all the repercussions.