"Now Isaac loved Esau, because he had a taste for game, but Rebekah loved Jacob." -Genesis 25.28
The beginning of family struggles, the father loves one of his children more than the other. The two of them share a special bond, and it's easy for them to share and relate. The father naturally draws to the one son, but at the expense of the other. Sometimes it's just neglect, but often it turns into abuse.
Esau was the athlete, and Jacob was the artist. And Isaac prized athleticism. I doubt Jacob was called names by his father, but there is no doubt that he knew his father preferred his brother over him. You have to wonder what his father never knew about him, the talents he never got to share or develop, all because his father related better to his brother.
How many of us were over looked by our fathers because we didn't fit their idea of a man? How many of us were put down by a father who wanted an all star quarterback, instead of a world class pianist? How many of us have struggled with identity and self worth because of it?
A man doesn't favor one child over another. He learns to communicate and relate to them in ways that speak to each one. He learns the heart of each of his children and speaks affirmation into each child's heart. He helps each of his children see their gifts and talents and encourages them to develop their passions. He has no favorites, he loves each of them as they are, not how he would have them be. And part of it, is knowing yourself, and living life to the fullest yourself, not vicariously through them.
Let your children be themselves, and love the for who they are.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
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