Sibling Love

One morning this week I overheard a conversation between Lucy and Kaleb. We were all headed out the door to school. It had been a regular crazy morning when Lucy said to Kaleb, "K I love you as much as God loves you!" Then she grinned at him. Kaleb turned and looked at Lucy and said, "No you don't because if you did you would never argue with me, never be mean to me, never shout at me and you would always share with me!" Lucy nodded her head and was quiet for a moment and then she said, "I guess I have a lot to work on!"

Now for those of you who know and love Lucy you are probably feeling sad because you know her tender heart and are worried that Kaleb's words wounded her. Normally that might have been the case, but in this instance it has had the opposite affect. We as a family have been able to use Lucy's measure of love as a catalyst to help us all be more loving to one another. When the kids have conflict or unkind words I can say, "Remember we're loving each other like God loves us!" and we all understand what that means. Likewise when I'm feeling crabby with Steve or the kids I think, "Love 'em like God."

Now obviously we are fallible humans who are incapable of the kind of sacrificial, unconditional love that God has extended to us, BUT it sure helps to have something to strive for! I know my kids will always have "battles" from time to time, but if I can teach them to love and treasure one another than I will be satisfied that I taught them alot! And if I can try a little bit everyday to love my family in such a way than I know that my heavenly Father will be proud of what He's taught me too!