Brotherly Love

"Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity." - I Timothy 4:12

Like most siblings, my older brother and I fought constantly as kids. I think my mom would have gladly given either one of us to any passerby just to have some peace from our bickering... There was the time I chomped into Tim's back because we were playing Hansel and Gretel and he was the wicked witch but wouldn't go in the oven. And of course every long car-ride came with wails of, "He's on my siiiiide!"

Fortunately, by the time I was in high school, I counted Tim as one of my best friends. He never got too cool to hang out with me. He was never afraid to speak up and tell his friends to include me. My lack of coordination and athleticism wasn't a good enough reason to exclude me from any game or sport. Tim has always set a stellar example for me in good sportsmanship, too.

My most meaningful memories with my brother don't start until he graduated high school, though. Despite some pressure from our parents, Tim chose not to go to college. Instead, he jumped right in and started working hard at an incredible job. He also started volunteering with our church's junior high youth group and the 6-12th grade boys' ministry, where he continues to serve to this day. It was during this time that the example he was setting for me in his life and his faith became invaluable to me.

When I graduated high school two years after Tim and started attending college, I was afraid Tim and I would grow apart. But Tim wouldn't stand for that; he continued to invest in my life even once it meant going out of his way and putting in a lot more effort. My brother is an "actions speak louder than words" kind of guy. During my freshman year, I started pursuing a relationship that was not honoring to the Lord. Tim could have fallen into the typical "older brother" role and told the guy to stay away from his sister... or else! Instead, Tim drove up to my dorm after work, picked me up at my door, took me out to a nice dinner (which he paid for), and then went to Campus Crusade with me and met all my friends. It was like Tim was saying, "I'm only ok with this guy if he treats you like this." It was so much more meaningful than if Tim had sat me down and said he didn't approve of the guy I liked. (Tim actually took me out to a scrumptious dinner at Red Lobster just last week, to remind me how much he loves me.)

In his 4+ year relationship with his girlfriend, Tim has set a commendable example for me in purity. He treats his girlfriend with respect, love, and loyalty. I don't know that I could have married Joel if Tim didn't like him from day one. It's not that I seek my brother's approval; I desire his respect because I value his opinion so much. God has given him insight and wisdom beyond his years. (Pause for just a second and acknowledge what a testament Tim is to my mom and dad's Godly, loving parenting and to the power of Christ in someone's life.)

Many people call him friend, two call him son, but only I get to call him brother, and I couldn't be more honored. I love you, Timmy!