Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time.
A brother is someone who sticks with you in difficult times. Do you have a brother? I do! Over the years, David has been there for me as I have for him. We appreciate each other and know that we can rely on one another.
Proverbs tells us all kinds of wise things. This is just another example. It tells you that you can count on your brother. There is a special bond between brothers. Even when they are not in the same place, they know there is someone else who shares their DNA. It defies explanation but there is a connection that exists at a cellular level that draws us to our brother.
There are many things that I notice when I am with my brother. We fit together well. We have the same sense of humor. There is a certain feeling of teamwork when we work on a project. We know each other fully; likes and dislikes. We have the same history and know all the same people. It is a comfortable relationship. I don’t have to pretend. I am who I am. It is a natural fit. You don’t need to force things; they just go together. David and I share that bond. After all, he took care of me when I was a baby. We look very much the same although Dave doesn’t think so. One Monday he called me. He asked where I had been over the weekend. I had just returned from Dallas. He turned to the person in his office and said “Yup, it was him.” She said she had seen his double on the plane.
But what about brothers that were not raised together? Do they have that kind of bond? Yes they do. The bond is part of their makeup. It goes beyond location. There are many stories of kids separated at birth that find out years later they have a sibling. They find an instant bond. Our boys met officially this past June after an almost eight year separation. Brandon instantly took to Clayton although he never really knew him before. It is special to watch them together. There is a faint smile on Clayton’s face that will not go away. Brandon is his! He has family now. Family is special. You love them warts and all because they are yours.
Today is special because it is Dave’s birthday! I am glad he was born. He is mine! Take today to think about your siblings. Maybe give them a call. Marvel at the things that bind you together. They are beyond our understanding but true none the less. Thank the Sovereign Lord that He has placed you in a family and given you those who care about you. Perhaps you don’t get along with your siblings. This might be a day to reach out to change all that. The Lord desires unity. Maybe you could change things today.
Thank You Lord for your design of the family. Thank You for placing us in groups that love each other and share common bonds. Help us to appreciate each other and draw closer to You in unity. You said it is not good for us to be alone. That is why you created marriage and families that come out of that marriage. Bless our families and give us Your peace. In Your name we pray! Amen!