A Tale of Two Sisters

At 22 months apart, they are as different as night and day, save their mutual dislike of one another. I find it interesting that the resentment seems more pronounced when they are separated than when they are together (unless they're with their dad). Sadly, I understand the frustration that Lindsey must feel when she is constantly being compared to Sarah and found lacking. My heart aches for her, though I can only imagine the pain of being rejected by one's own father. I'm not making excuses for her behavior, mind you, but I believe she's due some compassion. Her dad and her sisters seem to disagree. I'm too lenient with her, in their opinion, which is likely the source of Sarah's resentment.

The child who can do no wrong in her dad's eyes doesn't understand why I don't show her the same favoritism. My insistence that they both need guidance, direction, and discipline seems unfair to her (and her dad) because she's not as "bad" as Lindsey. By worldly standards, perhaps. However, I choose to live and to parent by higher standards. I will be held accountable for what I teach them, and for what I fail to teach them. I answer to the Highest Authority, and it is HIS approval I seek.

They are more alike than they realize, these 2 sisters, more than either of them or their dad would care to admit. They are so very like their parents and their parents' parents and every other human individual who has walked the face of the earth since the beginning of time. They, like us, are sinners by nature. There is no good in any of us apart from God's grace.

The world would have us believe otherwise. I cannot tell you how often I've found myself thinking that I am somehow more (or less) deserving of God's favor because of anything I have or have not done, and I know better. It shouldn't surprise me that my child would fall into the same trap, especially since the lie is being reinforced by people she trusts.

My prayer is that my daughters, my sisters in Christ, will soon realize their desperate need for the Savior whose name they claim and that their indifference will turn to indescribable joy.