Intimate Friends

This morning was morning #2 of annual testing. The kids had to be up and out of the house by 7:15. They did great getting around. They even had a few minutes to spare before their ride arrived.

While Cayla was standing in the kitchen, I noticed she had already brushed her hair. But I couldn't resist the need to give it my personal touch. She brought me the brush and I gently and smoothly brushed out the rest of her tangles. After releasing every knot, I asked her if she wanted me to braid it. This was her reply, "No, not today. I don't think so. Justin told me he likes my hair when I wear it down. He says my hair is beautiful." Now that is not the exact quote, but very close.

Justin is Cayla's 17-year old brother. Their relationship is blooming and blossoming. (I'm sure Justin would love the fact that I am comparing his relationship with his sister to flowers.) He loves, protects, compliments, encourages, helps, listens to, and praises Cayla continuously. And not just Cayla, but Katie and Larah too. (Notice one of Larah's favorite things.) Cayla is at the age where she values what he says, takes it to heart and acts upon it.

It is so neat to watch Christ form in each one of my children. Here is a quote that I have loved since the first time I read it. It speaks of Justin and Cayla. Oh, to have a big brother that loves you so.

Brothers and sisters should live together as intimate friends;

should carefully win and sedulously keep each other's love,

dwelling together in unity and tender affection.

There is no friendship in the world so pure,

so rich and helpful, as that of the family

---if only it be watched and tended as it should be.

Why not a brother make a confidante of his

own sister rather than of any other?

Why should not sisters be proud to

look up into the faces of their brothers,

and feel secure in the shelter of their manly love?"

------JR Miller

My prayer tonight is that each of our sons would love and treasure their sisters and that each of our daughters would respect and honor their brothers. It is awesome to sit back and watch this happen. Thank you Lord for sisters and brothers.