There is something so endearing and heart warming about the laughter among your children. Hearing them enjoying each other’s company and giggling about things that are funny to them alone. I remember sitting and listening when my kids were little while they played and pretended together. Whether they were perched in front of the dollhouse their Papa made for them or the dancing on the mantel to Amy Grant’s Christmas album, I relished watching them put their little heads together to create a play performed on the front porch.
With three of my four kids home for Thanksgiving (we missed you, Britt and Brendan!) I was reminded again of how sweet it is to hear their now adult interactions. Not that they necessarily act like adults when they’re together! Laughter, teasing, reminiscing, more laughter. But there will also be one on one conversations, too. Sisters will confide in each other. Little brother will give bear hugs. And all of it will once again melt into some form of laughter.
I couldn’t help but think that God must enjoy the same thing. Hearing and watching His kids (us!) interacting and loving each other. He must smile when He sees us caring for one another, reaching out to each other and having our brother’s/sister’s back. It’s got to be music to His ears to hear us laughing and crying together, sharing our hearts with one another.
Siblings also experience frustration with each other. They can hurt or disappoint each other. As parents, we love to see them work through those things. When my kids were little and were fighting over the same toy and would come and cry to me about it, I would say, “Work it out with each other or I will have to take it.” In other words, if you guys can’t figure this out, you both lose. I think that’s why God, as our loving parent, asks us to forgive each other and to be patient with each other’s shortcomings. He wants us to work it out. He knows that if forgiveness doesn’t happen, both parties miss out. We rob ourselves of joy.
I love having my kids all under one roof (at Christmas they will be!). God loves it when His children get together, too. To encourage one another, challenge one another, and walk the journey of life together. The proud Papa watching us play out what He’s taught us, using the gifts and talents that He’s given us to “complete” each other.
I want to be a sibling that He loves to watch interacting the all the other kids in the family. And when I get it wrong, I want to be a child that looks to restore relationships by asking for and giving forgiveness. And I hope that along the way I meet “siblings” that I never even knew I had. 🙂
Romans 12:18 – If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
John 13:34 – A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Psalm 133:1 – How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
Matthew 6:14 – For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Hebrews 10:25 – Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another…
