Middle Child
Several weeks ago my husband had back surgery. It went very well, and we are more thankful than we can say. The only physical therapy the surgeon prescribed was walking. “Walk, walk, walk.” It began when he was in the hospital – up and down the corridors with his walker – and continued at home.
As he became stronger the walker found its way into the closet, and he began walking down the road to our mailbox. When he was ready to pick up the pace, we drove to our nearest mall. The triple digit temperatures precluded walking outside for any length of time, but the air conditioned atmosphere of the mall was perfect. Perfect but oh so boring. Round and round past the same stores over and over again (It’s a small mall.)
In order to make it a bit more interesting, I did one of the things I have always enjoyed doing. I “people-watched.” I find it endlessly fascinating. I learn so many things just observing the infinite variety of my fellow human beings.
For instance, I noticed that families with three children seem to have one thing in common. The eldest child walks beside the parents. The littlest is either in a stroller or tucked safely in Mom or Dad’s arms. Invariably the middle child (at least the ones I happened to see) lags behind, seemingly lost in his or her own little world. I have read that middle children often feel left out. It is easy to see why. The oldest gets to do everything first and the little one is babied by everyone else. (Having said that, the child stuck in the middle is said to have some wonderful character traits : agreeable, independent, diplomatic, to name a few.)
I thought about the lot of the middle child as I walked (trying to keep up with my husband who by now is walking really well…and fast!) behind one such family. In God’s family there are no middle children. We are, each one of us, loved and cared for as if we were His only child.
When we speak, there is no competition for his attention. He bends down to listen. (Psalm 116:1,2)
He never stops thinking about us. He has inscribed us – you and me – on the palms of His hands. (Is 49:16)
He loves us lavishly and unconditionally. In fact, He loved us while we were yet sinners. (Rom. 5:8)
He has no favorite children. You are the apple of His eye. (Zechariah 2:8)
Nothing can ever separate you from His love. (Romans 8: 38-39)
Sounds like a perfect family to me. The best part is, anyone can belong. All you need to do is believe.
“For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 NLT
Blessings,
Linda
Enjoyed this post.
It is so good to know that God will never have one specific favorite, but we all are. Thank you for the reminder that God will always love us, not matter what.
I am so glad that your husband is doing so well after his back surgery.