Caught In The Middle

Purpose

I was speaking with my youngest daughter on yesterday and she shared  a conversation she had at school with one of her classmates. She said that her friend expressed to her how lucky she was to be the baby of family, and she wish she had her life because being the middle child sucked.  My daughter went on the encourage her (which made me proud).  She explained that every member of the family has a special purpose.

Speaking to her about the topic of birth order lead me to want to share with you today.  Do you sometimes feel a bit out of sorts in your purpose?  Not quite sure where you fit in?  As a middle child myself, I can totally relate to the feelings of my daughter's classmate.  I took the above picture last year while visting a beautiful garden, because the tree totally reminded me of what it is like be caught in the middle. As a middle child you can sometimes feel like a ping pong ball being bounced back and forth between your siblings, your parents, and even your extended family.  Being born in the center doesn't alway mean you are centered mentally. There are countless books and studies on what is termed "middle child syndrome". Many believe that birth order can give you future indicators of the paths you will take in life. I think these type of studies are entertaining, but should be taken with a grain of salt.

We have no control over when we are born, or the order of our birth. I am of the belief that everything has a purpose and reason for being exactly where it is.  You see positions can change, we are vessels flowing in the sea of life. It is not so much what position you are in that matters most. It is more important to understand your foundation. Psalms 18:2 tells believers "The Lord is my Rock, my walled town, and my saviour; my God, my Rock, in him will I put my faith".

So the next time you are feeling like you are caught in the middle lean on God.  God desires to be your rock and fortress. It doesn't matter if you are in the middle, the beginning, or end stand firm in your position.

I will leave you with this encouragement from 2 Chronicles 20:17, "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you."