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A piece of the Pie



Everybody knows that song from the famous show, "The Jefferson’s".... you know the one that says they finally got a piece of the Pie. I think that's exactly what my kids would have been singing last night if they knew the song.

 The past couple of weeks, I have been one of those crazy moms. I have been driven crazy by sibling rivalry and the constant yell of “ That’s not fair”. My son and daughter want to make sure everything is fair. That they get the same snack, get the same amount of television or tablet time, that they get served equal portions and that I even compliment them equally. It’s been a lesson I have been trying to get through to them all the time: LIFE IS NOT FAIR. Yes, as a mom I love them equally, and will always try my best to make sure they feel the love, but I cannot measure every single word, gift, or food I ever give them. And I cannot control the things that happen to them out of our home either. Sometimes Emeli will get a movie day, or Manny’s class will have cupcakes for a birthday and they are just going to have to deal with the fact one of them got something other didn’t. Obviously this lesson takes time to learn, and lots of arguing between them, tattling and going over the same things over and over again.

Yesterday, I stumbled upon an article in a website I frequent regarding parenting. It’s called The Parent Cue and the article was titled: “You Bet Life isn’t Fair kid.” Perfect validation and reassurance that my stance as a parent is correct and worth pursuing. I was determined yesterday to use this article as fuel to keep going and pressing on the hard lesson in life.

Last night, when my cousin came over I offered her pie and ice cream as she visited. Of course, Emmanuel and Emeli decided they wanted some too. Being close to dinner time, I used it as a bribe and let them know if they ate all their dinner, they would get dessert. Every mom knows this works 100% of the time right? Well not this time. Dinner time came and they whined and complained and only ate some of the already small portion of chicken and pasta they were served. I kindly reminded them no dinner, meant no dessert. With dissapointment, we all left the table.

I went to take a shower and they were left with my husband. When I came out, Emerald, my husband was serving slices of pie with a scoop of ice cream for each child. Surprised, I asked if they decided to finish  dinner to which he replied no. He told me it was all part of a lesson.

He gathered the kids, and told them he had something to say. He asked them if they knew what grace is. And they replied yes, grace is getting something you don't deserve. Emerald elaborated and said yes, our salvation and hope in Jesus Christ is all because of His grace. Because of our sin, we don't deserve heaven, but in His grace He chose to love us and die for us so we may have eternal life. Sin deserves punishment as the Bible says the wages of sin is Death.  When he had their full engagement, he let them know that though they should go to bed without dessert, they were going to receive grace and get to eat the piece of the pie they didn't deserve.

And I was blown away. The kids jumped up in amazement hugged their dad and enioyed they "finally got a piece of the pie". I however was still fixed on teaching them life is not fair and couldn't see how this lesson on grace would tie in. It didn't. But it reminded me of how great the Gospel is and the Good news we have in Jesus.

Jesus and His promises are the pie. And we can always get a piece of it without being worthy or deserving. The loving father I witnessed serve them a slice reminded me of the Father we have in Heaven who sent His only son to die for us even in our sin, disobedience and ignorance.

LIFE isn't fair. I see that in the suffering of Jesus before His death. Taking on a punishment He didn't deserve to save us.... and as my kids went to bed at night we discussed more of fairness and grace..... Life may seem unfair only if we think we are entitled or deserving of something. Grace changes everything. Its knowing we deserve nothing and having it all in Jesus......

Today I encourage you not only to read the Parent Cue article below, but also to be thankful for the piece of the pie God has given you. To always have a heart of gratitude that knows we are so undeserving that all of the blessings we recieve are good gifts or dessert even when we haven't had dinner. And if you haven't had your piece of the pie yet, try it. There is nothing you have to do to earn it.  That pie is everlasting life, forgiveness, a hope for the future and its already been cut, plated and served to you. Its up to you to decide if you want it. I pray this encourages you to be grateful and to remember life is not fair before we begin to complain.....

Love, Meli

The article is below:
http://theparentcue.org/you-bet-life-isnt-fair-kid/

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