Lessons learned while on vacation… This morning gave us the perfect opportunity to impart God’s wisdom into our children’s lives. While playing a card game of, “War” – our oldest had a bit of a meltdown. His sister had been dealt a really incredible hand; it would be an easy win for her. He stormed off that it wasn’t fair. Of course we made him come back into the room, we don’t let any of our children storm off when they’re frustrated with something. We believe in talking it out until a resolution can be found. He doesn’t like that – but he always comes back. With regards to the hand his sister was dealt, we asked him if she had cheated? “No” he says with his head down. “Who dealt the deck?” …. another long pause…. “I did” he whispers. “Did she steal anyone’s cards?” “NO!” she pipes up to defend herself. “Of course she didn’t steal” he finally says. As we started to talk about this situation, trying to bring understanding into his life, he frequently ran from the room, we quickly called him back and each time he came back more frustrated with us than the time before, but he came back. (Training’s paid off on that one…) We explained to him that just because her hand was better than his, there was nothing unfair about it. That’s just the way the game of cards is! Some will have better hands at different times and win the game more than others. Resembles life doesn’t it?! What’s unfair is our reaction in the midst of it. His reaction was more about his loss rather than her win. In sports that’s called – “Poor Sportsmanship”. The Bible says to rejoice with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15). The spirit of envy comes to mind as one of the reasons why someone criticizes when another is blessed. A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. – Proverbs 14:30 Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. – 1 Corinthians 13:4 For wherever there is jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition), there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil and vile practices. – James 3:16 (the link is from The Message, vs 13-16… it’s GOOD!) Envy may be defined to be a spirit of dissatisfaction with, and opposition to, the prosperity and happiness of others as compared with our own. He finally came around and apologized for his reaction with regards to the card game and for his reaction when we confronted him about it. Why was he able to? Because he is in covenantal relationship with us, he knows that we would never prefer one child over the other and he knows that we have his best in mind – always. This happens to us adults as well. I was amazed at the responses I’ve heard after posting my year of travel 2009 review post. I was surprised at the judgment I received for vacationing so well. At first I was angry but then I realized that unlike my son, they do not know us. They aren’t in covenantal relationship with us. Now my anger has turned to pity. It is a shame really. They’re thwarting God’s blessings from operating in their own lives. The spirit of envy is at work. And just like my daughter, who did not need to defend herself to her brother’s reaction, I am learning that I do not need to do the same.It’s amazing how much a simple game of cards can reveal so much…