Family Togetherness

When my oldest boys were young, 3 and 2 years old, there was a VBS at a local church for 3 year olds and up. I thought it would be fun for Caleb to join in, so I signed him up. The first day of drop off all went well til it was time for Nathan and I to leave. Nathan didn't understand why Caleb was staying and started to cry because he wanted Caleb to be with him. I tried to console Nathan by telling him that we will get Caleb in a few hours and all will be well. Of course he didn't understand. And so, for the whole week, this was our experience. Even though I didn't like to see my son cry, it warmed my heart to know that the boys had a close relationship. They have always been together and did everything together. They're pals, even now at 10 and 9.

During the VBS time, I was sharing with an older women ( a grandmother aged) how Nathan was very sad to not have his brother with him. This woman took me by surprise by her response. She said, " Well, they're just too close then. You need to separate them.  They need their own friends!". I stood there, totally baffled. Really? You want me to severe a close relationship? And then what? Try to force them together again when they're older then wonder why we don't have a close family or close siblings? It made no sense to me.  I think you can tell I didn't agree with this woman's suggestion. 

I write all this to share with you that it's a beautiful thing to have close siblings and family. Don't listen to the world.  I didn't grow up in a healthy, loving family. Mine was broken and abusive. I know what it's like to live alone. I want more for my children. I don't want to severe something the Lord has made only to try and force it back together once they've grown so far apart.When the world is pressuring them and trying to beat them down, I want them to know they have a safe and loving place to come to with safe and loving people. I want to instill Truth in them, love them and teach them how to treat each other. I want to nurture friendships between them so they will have each other when they're grown. I want them to practice forgiveness with each other. Why would I severe that? I wouldn't!

Dear mother, let me encourage you. Build those closer relationships. Don't listen to foolish women. You will met opposition. Opposition for many God obeying steps you take. It's ok. Stand firm in your convictions in the Lord. You will get opposition from those you thought would support and you'll get support from those you thought would oppose. Stand firm in the Lord. Know that what you  are doing is right by your family in the Lord. These children have been given to you to raise, raise them well. Have hope!