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That's Me in the Middle


The Middle Child

Even though you’re not the oldest, Or the youngest, you see,
Being in the middle of a sandwich is the most important part,
And in the middle of your body,
you will find your heart.
The engine in the middle
is what runs a good machine;
And your family wouldn't be the same
without you in between.

Author Unknown

I’m not convinced that there is any place in the family birth order that is ideal. Firstborns seem competitive and driven-to-succeed, perfectionists. Seconds are independent and adventurous and rebellious. Middle children are the forgotten ones, the peacemakers and usually opposite of the firstborns. The babies are risk takers, idealists and immature. Birth order is fun to read about, but the truth for me is that every one of us is given the same recipe to succeed in life, despite hang-ups or hindrances, if we believe what the Bible says about us.

I kicked the birth order doctrine right in the pants when I turned 8 years old. Financially, we were strapped and Mom decided to get a job to help Dad. I was the one they chose to wake up at 5:00 a.m. every morning and pack my Dad a lunch and make him a hot breakfast while my older sister and brother slept in. All three of us went to school. Now the new order of things was that the middle child became the responsible one.

What a blessing it was to have that time with my Dad! I still can smell his clean shaven face with splashes of “Old Spice!” He would kneel at the kitchen table and say his prayers with head bowed low. He first talked to God and then me second, every morning. This memory is a treasure especially as I grow older.

God is no respecter of persons. Whatever place we are in birth wise, we are all God’s favorites!

This post links to these blog parties: Tell Me a Story and On Your Heart Tuesday both on my side bar.

Comments

  1. DeniseMarch 28, 2012 at 1:39 AM

    Sweet post my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Diane RonzinoMarch 28, 2012 at 2:31 AM

    I love your attitude and that you didn't resent being the one to get up with your Dad. Look how God blessed you - you were able to witness something none of your siblings did, and you have these wonderful memories.

    Precious post!

    ReplyDelete
  3. RCUBEsMarch 28, 2012 at 7:58 AM

    That is awesome that you didn't even complain! And what a wonderful time you had with your father...I'm pretty sure lots of wisdom was shared between you and him.

    My father's fav was Old Spice, too! It smells so good...

    God bless sister!

    ReplyDelete
  4. a joyful noiseMarch 28, 2012 at 10:05 AM

    Thank you for sharing your True Story at “Tell Me A True Story” At http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/

    I was the oldest child and was given more responsibility. That was a good thing for me and eventually I cam out of my shell.

    I love your story that you were the chosen one to serve your Dad. You are right that no matter where you are in the birth line of sequence that you and God can be a success in life.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Deborah AnnMarch 28, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    So true! I'm second from last in a family of nine. God is working tremendously in ALL of us! He is no respector of persons - or lineage!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Crown of BeautyMarch 29, 2012 at 3:30 AM

    What a precious opportunity you have been given as the middle child to prepare you dad's breakfast and lunch.

    What lovely memories warm your heart.

    I loved this story, Mary.

    Thanks for sharing it.

    Love
    Lidia

    ReplyDelete
  7. Nikki (Sarah)March 29, 2012 at 4:39 AM

    I believe that we are all God's favorite. Love the way you said this. And knowing that truth helps me see people in a differently

    ReplyDelete
  8. Joyful in His PresenceMarch 29, 2012 at 7:21 AM

    What a precious post, Mary. I was the oldest in birth order...and your description fits me...but I, like you, am so glad that God is not a respecter of persons...that we each and every one of His children are of equal importance to Him.

    So glad you have those wonderful memories of those early morning hours with your dad. And your mom was such a beautiful lady!

    Hugs to you, Mary.

    ReplyDelete
  9. NancyMarch 29, 2012 at 8:17 AM

    I am a middle child too and the responsible one as well.....I didn't appreciate it at the time but now I look back and know it was because they could trust me that they gave me added responsibility...

    I love the way you worded this post.....so refreshing and heartfelt....

    ReplyDelete
  10. Debbie PetrasApril 1, 2012 at 7:38 PM

    You were so cute Mary! I am a middle child too. However, I wasn't the typical middle child as I had a congenital heart defect. I was always different and got lots of attention. However, I didn't like that attention.

    Thanks for sharing your family memories.

    blessings and love,
    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  11. SharonApril 2, 2012 at 1:59 PM

    I'm a first-born...and I have to agree with the perfectionist definition.

    (By the way, your little girl picture is adorable!)

    What a wonderful time you had with your dad, and what a sweet spirit you had to serve him without resenting it. Such a testimony to your lovely heart.

    And yes, in the Body of Christ, there is no birth order - I'm just forever grateful that we were given the chance to be born again!!

    GOD BLESS!

    ReplyDelete

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