Slam!

We have new neighbors behind us. The previous neighbors were an older couple who occasionally had grandchildren visit, but in general it was only their Corgi that raced around the backyard.  Our new neighbors are a young family with one small child and another on the way.

In the past month, the dad has built a wonderful play set for his children. It has all the bells and whistles and swings and hidey-holes that a child could desire.

A couple of evenings ago, I was sitting on our patio which overlooks their backyard. I had the wonderful privilege of getting to see them introduce their little girl to her new castle. She was SO excited and full of glee.  And the very first things she did? Swing? No. Climb on the climbing wall? No. Go down the slide? No.

She ran into the little playhouse and slammed the door on her parents. She shut them outside. They were NOT included in her space. They ended up bribing her to get her to come out and go inside the house. I had to chuckle just a little bit because it was very two-ish.

It also made me think about my own behavior sometimes. I have to confess I’m not very good at sharing – especially my new treasures. I want them all for myself at least until I get the first scratch or dent. Then maybe I’ll share. But only if you do what I want.

Not unlike Jacob and Esau in some ways. Usually when we talk about Esau selling his birthright to Jacob for a pot of stew, we focus on how little Esau valued something important. We give little attention to Jacob except to maybe recognize his craftiness. But really, Jacob was slamming the door on Esau. And Esau only got into the playhouse when he gave Jacob what he, Jacob, wanted.

How often do we use things to control relationships – to get what we want from others through bargaining? How often do we refuse to share the treasures and blessings we’ve been given unless we are given more? Unless we get something in return? How many of us would tithe if we didn’t get an income tax deduction?

Ah, generosity. You defy logic and rationalization. Generosity is not about trading. It is about sharing. With no expectations.