"It's not fair!!!"

"On the day when Elkanah sacrificed he would give portions to his wife, Peninah and to all her sons and daughters; but to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the LORD had closed her womb."

(1 Samuel 1:4-5)

"BUT THAT'S NOT FAIR!!!" It's the cry that every parent hears (or at least every parent with multiple children). And it's the cry every parent hates. Our young people seem to have an inherent sense of "fairness" when they emerge from the womb! And while we, as "good parents," endeavor to achieve "parenting equity," the reality is this: LIFE ISN'T FAIR! (Can I get an "Amen!"?).

Case in point: Hannah, Peninah, and Elkanah. A "triangular" marriage in the OT book of 1st Samuel. One man. Two wives. Multiple children. (Oh, I should probably mention... all children from the same mother, Peninah!) Side note: in Biblical times, a woman was known for two things: who she was married to, and how many (male) children she bore. So Hannah has the husband part down (though she has to share him), but not the children (sons) part. And her "sister wife" knows it. In fact, the narrator says that Peninah goes out of her way to make life miserable for Hannah.

Anyway, at the annual pilgrimage to worship at Shiloh, the narrator tells us that Elkanah would give Hannah a double-share of food... "because he loved her." He knew she was picked on for not having children (by his other wife). He knew it affected her self-worth and self-esteem. So he did what he could to show his affection: the king-sized filet mignon at dinner (while Peninah only got a petite serving!).

It's a small detail. Easily overlooked in the grand scheme of things in this story. But to me, it speaks volumes about Elkanah. Let's set aside the double-wives scenario (evidently it was a thing in Biblical times)... he saw an injustice (or at least a social discrepancy), and did what he could to give extra attention (and food!) to Hannah. Because sometimes, though it's not fair, it's what must be done.

There are times when we, as parents (or teachers, or friends, etc.) SHOULDN'T be fair! We need to shower extra attention, love, and the occasional pork chop when they're warranted. No, life isn't fair. But LOVE covers a multitude of sins.