Happy for you

Ive been thinking recently about how it can be so hard for us to be happy for other people. Why is it that when we hear someone been given something or achieved something or just been blessed out of the blue, part of us can be thinking, what about me? I'm finding this happening to me at work. Some of my colleagues who are at a similar position to me, are starting to gain promotions and be given roles like Head of Year or Head of Department. They don't have the family commitments I have and mainly work full time, but I still feel a pang of jealousy when I should be feeling pleased for them.

There is so much 'me, me, me' in our culture. Parents want the best for their child. Children are taught how special they are (good, obviously) but maybe we're neglecting to tell them how special the person next to them is. I like a post I read on another blog about a family that 'doesn't do fair', instead they are happy for the blessings their siblings receive. 

We have been working on this idea this week, as it's been Livia's birthday. We have been very unapologetic that this is a day to make Livia feel special. And thankfully Chloe has been really on board. We had a few issues with wanting the first go with new toys, but generally Chloe was very excited to celebrate her little sister. 

I am sure this will be an ongoing challenge but I am hoping we can use this to teach our children about Jesus' grace in the future.