In This Way: Flexibility

"Agreed," said Laban.  "Let it be as you have said."  That same day he removed all the male goats that were streaked or spotted, and all the speckled or spotted female goats (all that had white on them) and all the dark-colored lambs and he placed them in the care of his sons.  Then he put a three-day journey between himself and Jacob while Jacob continued to tend the rest of Laban's flocks. ~ Gen 30: 34-36

Observations:

• Laban was a trickster
• Jacob's deal was doomed from the start
• 29:22, 26, 27, 30:27, 35 and 31:43 reveal Jacob's tongue in cheek father-in-law
• Jacob flexed, fled and finished strong

Application:

• Keeping count of my retirement is my responsibility
• Family members provide cautionary tales
• debt hounding in retirement
• concern about outliving the money
• Understand that the rules change as we go
• Don't get bent out of shape when someone wants to change a deal
• There are no permanent friends or permanent enemies

Prayer: Thank You for showing me Jacob's flexibility.  His life teaches me to trust You not the people swearing by You.