God's Green Eyed Kids

Sometimes we have to be honest with ourselves. Usually, as the saying goes, the truth hurts. However, as the other saying goes, it can also set you free.
A little over a year ago I realized something. I am a jealous person. Just typing that in gives me pause. Yet, when I was truthful with myself upon that realization, I did feel set free. Suddenly, past hurts were pulled into perspective. I felt as though I had had a mental sigh. Relief flooded me. I wasn't embarrassed and only minimally ashamed.
Acknowledging this helped me to open my eyes and begin to heal. Memories rolled in. In college it was as though some of my friends were still on the playground in third grade. I remember thinking jealousy is the cause of a lot of problems in many different circumstances. I didn't mean to be judgmental; I just hadn't concluded it was a problem for me. Other memories helped me conclude a particular friend or relative wasn't always in a closer relationship with someone I loved. It was a different type of relationship. What I shared with whomever was what I was given as a blessing.
How do we combat that green eyed monster? It's not so easy. Shouldn't we take the high road and be happy for people? Yeah, we should but it doesn't always happen. We've all been hurt by the little barbs of envy hidden in a joking comment, wondering why a good friend treated us that way.
When we moved to a bigger house people said things like, "Guess we'll have to hang out with the maid" and "How's life in the palace?" I tried to laugh it off but I was cringing underneath. Finally, someone asked me if I was ever going to invite them into the castle. I responded, "Sure, but you have to swim across the moat first." That pretty much silenced any other comments. Another friend was anxious to see our new home. I was close to humiliation showing it to her. As we walked from room to room she said more than once, "Good for you all." Salve to the swipes left behind by the others.
I think about God telling His people He was/is a jealous God. He meant we are to only worship Him. I guess I think of this as righteous jealousy. The only good kind since He warns us not to be envious. Of anything or anybody. Friends come and go. Family at times feels distant. I think God is having this occur to remind me He is the one constant. Reaching out to Him is what I should be doing and where I should be going. He shares His love with everyone. There's no limit to it for any of us. Look to the cross when you question your importance. The ultimate sacrifice, the ultimate gift. After a blessing like that, we don't need to be jealous of anyone else. We have God's full and complete love. Each and every one of us.