“Are you spoiled?” she asked. The context was the fact that I got to board the airplane before she did—I had “Sky” on my ticket and she had Zone 3. I laughed it off and denied it but it has stuck with me for months. Long enough that it makes me think that maybe there might be a grain of truth to her words.
After all, I did get priority boarding on a plane. I do have everything that I need and more. Much more.
Her words are resonating with me today for some reason and they have me thinking.
Yes, I am spoiled. Being the “baby” of the family I was always accused of being spoiled because I got my way all of the time. Now I remember it quite differently. I remember being the baby and not being able to do everything that the older kids were allowed to do.
I remember getting my sister’s hand me downs. Not that that was a bad thing but I do remember that sometimes I got to wear the same dress twice. Once when the one that was made for me fit and then 5 or 6 years later when the one that was made for my sister fit me.
I remember getting quite a bit of attention as the youngest. After all I had 3 older brothers and sisters who could play with me and keep me entertained. I have to admit I was a pretty cute little kid in those days.
But spoiled? That’s a good question. Definition from Merriam Webster:
: to have a bad effect on (something) : to damage or ruin (something)
: to decay or lose freshness especially because of being kept too long
: to give (someone, such as a child) everything that he or she wants : to have a bad effect on (someone) by allowing too many things or by not correcting bad behavior
According to that definition I would have to say that I am not spoiled. I do not get everything I want.
I want world peace and I don’t see that happening.
I want every person in the world to have bellies full of food and that probably won’t happen in my lifetime.
I want life to be easy for everyone I know. Not gonna happen.
But as far as material needs. Yes, I admit it. I might be spoiled. Chris has always been a wonderful provider and indulges me when he can. But at the same time I see that he gives back and shares the blessings that he has received with others as well.
There is another thing that sticks in my head.
Luke 12:48-53The Message (MSG)
47-48 “The servant who knows what his master wants and ignores it, or insolently does whatever he pleases, will be thoroughly thrashed. But if he does a poor job through ignorance, he’ll get off with a slap on the hand. Great gifts mean great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities!
I have known my share of individuals who have been blessed with financial prosperity. Most of the ones that I know intimately are folks that you would never know that they “have money” from their actions and demeanor. They do their good deeds quietly and without fanfare. Others may have no idea what their stock portfolio is and that is how I believe it should be.
I believe that we are all entrusted with gifts that are meant to be shared. The more gifts you have the more responsibilities you have. Quietly and humbly. Without fanfare or accolades. Gifts don’t always mean monetary gifts either.
So am I spoiled? The answer may still be maybe but until I get everything I want in life like perfect hair I will still think that I am not. What about you? Has anyone ever accused you of being spoiled?
