Genesis 30:1-31:42

I continue to struggle to understand the lessons meant to be imparted through dysfunctional family dynamics, multiple wives, impregnating maid servants, and deceiving/conniving in-laws.  But through it all, God is steadfast toward Jacob, the heir of the covenant.  He leads Jacob out of the land of his father-in-law and back to the land of his youth. Jacob acknowledges that "God saw my plight and the fruits of my toil, and last night he gave judgment." Jacob, though certainly flawed and far from perfect, nevertheless strove to act righteously, particularly towards his father-in-law, and in the end was rewarded by God for it. Without a doubt this is a comforting idea for someone like me who recognizes his own many and deep flaws, yet struggles to honor God and do the right thing each day.