Esau and Jacob were pretty different brothers with a very rocky relationship history. They were getting together to celebrate a record number of years without having a go at each other.

Esau had a bit of a just-do-it attitude, telling his brother and his family: '... let us go...' (Genesis 33:12 NKJ) However, Jacob held back, knowing the family he had brought with him needed to rest: 'You go on ahead!' ... He explained his reasoning to Esau: '...The children are weak, and the flocks and herds which are nursing are with me... if the men should drive them hard... the flock will die... I will lead on slowly at a pace... the livestock... and the children, are able to endure...' (Genesis 33:13-14 NKJ) Jacob wasnt snubbing his already-strained relationship with his brother for no good reason, he was being realistic about his own people's abilities to cope, he was keeping things in balance. Jacob refused to take on too much (even if it seemed the best way forward at the time) and risk neglecting his family and straining the weaker ones who depended on him.

The Bible says: 'Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others too.' (Philippians 2:4 NLT) People are God's priorities. What about you? Are you being wise with where you put your energy? Are you moving too quickly to spend proper time with your family or with your friends who need you? Or are you the sort who likes to push things along (not that that's always wrong!), and right now you're pushing someone too hard? Maybe it's time to wise up?