My favorite.....

My family has a warped sense of humor. Whenever we would do something for one child and another would whine "Why does SHE get that?!", my husband would just dryly say "Because she's our favorite". Then the other kids would sorta laugh and say "See, I always knew it!" I've been accused by each child that another one was my favorite...and they were right.

Each HAS been my favorite at different times for different reasons. Each child's personality or strength or even weakness has at one time or another drawn me closer to them. Sometimes, I sense that a child just NEEDS me more at that particular time. Sometimes, I NEED that particular child's humor or kindness or strength of character. Sometimes, one child's goals, hobbies, interests, or just life in general matches up to mine in that moment of time and it just naturally pulls us together. But it is not a matter of loving one child more than another. They are all so different! How did four such unique individuals come out of me?

My only son, Clay, has interests in politics, philosophy, and theology which match my own. We can sit at the dinner table and talk of such things logically and heated and enjoy it. That can be very exciting for me since my husband cares very little for such things! He is very intelligent and makes a great debate partner! He is extremely goal-oriented; he can set a goal and follow it through to the end...no matter what! I find myself defending and making excuses for my son since he has that rebel spirit in him that has led him, in the past, to make choices we don't always consider wise. But I know where the rebel spirit comes from....it is genetic and it is NOT from his daddy! But I also understand that this same type of spirit, properly channeled, can also help you stand up in the face of injustice with boldness. It gives you a needed righteous indignation to slay the dragon. It allows you to "go against the flow" when you need to. I see this in my son and know that, if channeled through God's will, he will surpass us all in what he can accomplish! God can use a very intelligent, goal-oriented, rebel-rouser to do great things...big bold things.

My second child, Vickie, is the purest of heart. She has always sought God in a way that none of us have. She is willing to do anything for God; I believe she has the spirit of the first century martyrs. She grieves over sin yet loves the sinners. Her righteous indignation is reserved for Christians "who should know better". She seems to be able to always "keep the main thing the main thing". She has often corrected me by saying "What does that matter Mom, when they don't even know God!" She does all this with a meek spirit. I complain about her shyness and sometime social awkwardness yet she cringes at my boldness while she quietly, without the fanfare I demand, serves her God. No telling where she will end up...but it will be where God tells her to go.

My third child, Michelle, has the quickest wit and is the most fun to just "hang out" with. From a tiny child she has had a well-developed sense of justice and truth. It is all black and white for Michelle. She doesn't usually struggle with nuances of the law. The Bible either says this and means it or it doesn't! If you try to muddy the waters for her by saying "But some people believe...." she will cut you off and say "Well, they are wrong...there it is in black and white!" She keeps me straight. She also shares my love of acting and singing...and she is very talented! She always sticks up for the underdog and goes out of her way to include everyone around her...especially those she feels are left out. Although she will frequently do anything to get out of academics, give her physical work to do and she will probably "outwork" most guys around her! But her biggest gift, I believe, is her love of life! She is where the party is! If you want to just have a great time laughing and loving life...Michelle's your pick.

My fourth child, Rebecca, has the sweetest and gentlest spirit of all the children. She is smart, extremely precocious, and socially saavy. Make no mistake...in a social situation...she knows what she is doing. She can sense all situations going on around her and determine what should be said or not said. She loves everyone and everyone loves her! She can walk into room full of strangers and before she leaves...they are strangers no more...and she has them eating out of her hands! She has a maternal instinct like no other. Some of the first words out of her toddler mouth were "I want to be a mommy...when can I be mommy?" She "mothers" babies, little ones, and even animals. The church nursery workers, against all rules, sneak her in to help them, knowing that she is better than having another adult! She serves the elderly and sick with such tenderness and kindness. She is considering being a massage therapist because she could make people feel better (including her arthritic mom!). She is MUCH more mature than her stature or years!

Now...can you see why they are ALL my favorites? How DID they all come from Rodney and me?! And...how fun that God would inject such different personalities into one family...just for the diversity! I have been blessed to be their "Momma" for all these years. So when we say "She's our favorite" we are telling the truth...she is...for that moment! Don't worry...you're next.