I'm now the black sheep in the family again.

I grew up in a "Leave it to Beaver" family with one brother. I was always the academic dork getting degrees and working to become a doctor (the good child). Well, my brother just finished his first week at divinity school at Wake Forest. So now, I only save lives while my brother is saving souls. I guess that makes me the black sheep of the family again. I dunno... it feels good to be the trouble maker again.

I posted this because I notice many of you are D.Min, M.Div., or (for those of you with $35 and access to the Universal Life Church website) D.D.'s) and thought you would all get a kick out of this.

 

As a clergyman I am quite impressed with your accomplishments. Saving lives is nothing to minimize!

You two could enter into a partnership. You save their lives then he saves their souls. Everybody wins!

 

My brother and I have taken turns. Well, actually he has been fairly stable while I make wild moves to the extremes...

He was the "good kid" growing up, while I was the "wild" one.

He became a school teacher. Not bad.

I straightened up and became a minister then missionary.

He became a Youth Minister, catching up with me in our families eyes, for the most part.

I am leaving full-time ministry and going into secular work soon.

He is back ahead of me again....

clint

 

I know enough about family dynamics not to make assumptions but in the stereotypical family, the good student who works to become a Doctor is NOT the black sheep. Hopefully your parents were both able to see their children evolve into upstanding, productive citizens. They've obviously passed on excellent values.
Jack

 

I have also seen in family dynamics -- that when a kid who's done less than well IS successful -- the praise heaped on is rather more than would have been with the kid that has always accomplished much. Could be in the way of encouragement -- understandable, but sometimes hurtful.

 

Oh, and I liked Jimmy's idea -- souls and lives partnership :wink:

 

*sigh* my wink isn't working

 

Re: Re: I'm now the black sheep in the family again.

Could lead into a discussion of birth order.

 

Re: Re: Re: I'm now the black sheep in the family again.

Hi Jimmy - I'm a "middle kid." We can talk about it any time.
Jack

 

Re: Re: Re: Re: I'm now the black sheep in the family again.

feeling poor & unloved, jack?

 

One son's a doctor. One son's gonna' be a preacher. Ain't no way your parents ain't proud.

Although, that said... there is something about it that feels a little like a television mini-series...

...on Lifetime.

I'm the only kind... of older parents. Explains everything... doesn't it.

I'm sure Dr. Gulick would be willing to prescribe something for that. I hear Viag... er... oh... wait... you're talking about the smiley thingy here, aren't you.

[pause]

Never mind.