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February 24, 2021

It’s All About Perspective

13 Comments/ 240/ 0

“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 a very long time..  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.

babybeth

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.

I want Covid-19 to be a thing of the past…today.

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? From my perspective I am not but I could be wrong.

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13 Comments

Leave a comment
  1. jena c. henry
    February 24, 2021 at 07:34 am

    I have also been thinking about what you are saying for awhile now. I don’t know if I’m right about this- but couldn’t you substitute the word “blessed” or ‘blessings” for “spoiled” or other words that are used now that mean “spoiled”? I hope this doesn’t sound weird or uncaring- but I have been thinking about this. Thanks for your post today, Beth Ann

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 24, 2021 at 07:36 am

      I think you might be right that substituting more positive words make a difference. Thanks for always reading and got your insight! ❤️

      Reply
  2. Susi
    February 24, 2021 at 07:49 am

    Yes, I’ve been “accused” of being spoiled much for the same reasons you have, because I am incredibly lucky to be blessed with a beautiful home, a nice car, not having to worry about the food on our table, etc. And yes, sometimes, I will turn around and say “You are right. I am spoiled.” but I also try to be appreciative and give back as much as I can.
    If you go by the definition, then, no I don’t think I’m spoiled. That’s the thing about words, we throw them around so easily without really knowing what they mean or what they do to another person.
    I always like to think that instead of spoiled, I am very fortunate in some ways and I try to appreciate that.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 24, 2021 at 08:10 am

      Yes! I also think that our families have worked hard to get those things— it does not just get handed to us, right? Sacrifice and work comes into it as well.

      Reply
  3. Leann Palm
    February 24, 2021 at 08:27 am

    Being an only child people assume I was spoiled. I was not spoiled but rather I was and still am well loved by my parents

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann Chiles
      February 24, 2021 at 08:29 am

      I agree! Only children often get a bad rap— you are totally correct about being well loved! Perfect answer!

      Reply
  4. dawnkinster
    February 24, 2021 at 09:04 am

    As a kid I thought my younger siblings were spoiled because my parents let them do things at much younger ages than I was allowed. But they thought I was spoiled because I was the oldest and got to do things before they did. So it definitely IS all about perspective!

    Reply
  5. Kathy Spotts (formerly Weiland)
    February 24, 2021 at 09:11 am

    I don’t call that spoiled. I call that blessed!! I was glad when someone met Kurt and on finding out he was an only child commented that he didn’t act spoiled!!!
    Continued prayers and blessings as you continue to bless others!!

    Reply
  6. Darlene
    February 24, 2021 at 09:42 am

    Being well loved and cared for is not being spoiled. You appreciate every thing you have, so that’s not being spoiled. I agree, perhaps we need a better word.

    Reply
  7. Mama's Empty Nest
    February 24, 2021 at 10:46 am

    Being the baby of my family, I too was often accused of being spoiled, but with two older sisters, I had the same experiences you did – like why were my sisters allowed to go on dates as young teens and I wasn’t allowed until I was 17? But regardless of all that, are we Americans spoiled? Yes, I think we are in comparison to our brothers and sisters across the world especially when we don’t share our blessings with others. You are a wonderful example of not being “spoiled” because you are thankful and endeavor so much to give to others in need.

    Reply
  8. Shirley Matthews Dunn
    February 24, 2021 at 11:59 am

    I have been told I was spoiled. Certainly not by the above definition. As a child I was given everything I needed and more I am sure. As a adult I would say I have been blessed in so many ways. With saying all this I still love people and my Lord and try to help where I can. Beth Ann, I love that picture of you. So cute and love that smile.

    Reply
  9. Dianna
    February 24, 2021 at 02:28 pm

    I was the baby, too, and remember being told from a VERY young age that I was spoiled . (My sisters were teenagers when I was born, though, so no chance of me wearing their hand-me-downs.) And I’ve had folks say that I’m spoiled now. I do agree that my Motor Man is a good provider, and spoils me in all the right ways!

    Reply
  10. Minnesota Prairie Roots
    February 25, 2021 at 10:47 am

    Your end comment about wanting perfect hair made me laugh aloud. Nope, I’ve never been accused of being spoiled.

    Reply

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