2 Samuel 3:2-5. "And sons were born to David at Hebron: his first-born was Amnon, of Ahinoam of Jezreel; and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron."

The only sons of David I remember the names of are Solomon, his successor (who obviously had not come along yet), and Absalom, who fought against his father and, to David's great sorrow, was killed by David's men. I am certain, though, that, even though I am not familiar with the others, David loved each of his children immensely, and knew them as only a father can.

This reading for today is bringing to mind two things: my place in my own family, and each of my children's places in ours. I am still struggling to work out my place in my family. I thought I knew it, but events of the last few years have shown me that it is not what I thought it was. For now, I am leaving that to God and to prayer, He will show me the way back to right relationship with them when the time is right. I have to remember that He loves me and each member of my family, just as David loved his children, as only a father can. He wants to bring all of us to right relationship with Him and each other; I have to give Him room to do that.

With regard to my own children, I am becoming more aware that they each probably feel they are struggling in the family from time to time, as well. There are times when one child is having more trouble, and simply needs more attention or help; there are other times when one child displays attributes for which he or she should be, and is, praised and encouraged. The others may feel neglected or unloved in those times when one child is getting more attention. There are also the "stronger" children who, as a parent, I sometimes assume (wrongly) can handle whatever life throws at them without needing much help from me. This also can result in a feeling of being unloved when they do need my help and I am not tuned into that. I have learned these things lately because I have been struggling with my own family dynamic, so that cross has become a tremendous learning experience for me.

The two of David's children I remember exemplify the times when the "good" and the "bad" rise up in the family and demand more attention. But Solomon and Absalom were not caricatures - they were beloved children. They, and each of David's children, had good and bad in them, just as we all do. David had to love each of them through the times when they were exhibiting each, just as we have to do. And we must not be insensitive to their siblings, even when one child is demanding much of our attention. This is a very difficult task, and I get it wrong frequently. I am so grateful God is the perfect Father to us all and never falls into this parent trap!