Little Brothers

I remember the "new mommy" days after bringing home each of my five newborn babies from the hospital. Sleepless nights, new schedules, exhausting days, sweats and no makeup, longing to see friends, figuring out a new normal with a growing family.

I also remember the joy of watching siblings bond with a new little brother or sister. One of my most treasured memories is of four precious little ones huddled around their baby brother after waiting days for him to come home from the NICU. Three sisters, two brothers melting together into the heart of our family. My friend calls them "the clump".

Through the years, I have been adamant about their continued bonding. Watching them grow as friends fills my heart with joy. So, when our new addition was welcomed in just a few short months ago, I wondered. What will happen? To be honest, as I watched the shifting dynamic of the clump, my heart grieved a little. I truly worried about how he would fit. How would he become one of them, one of us?

In many ways, bringing our little guy home has been the exact same as those new mommy moments with a baby. Sleepless nights, new schedules, exhaustion, sweats and no makeup, even longing to spend time with friends have all been a part of this journey. Don't get me wrong, there has been sweetness in and throughout these new days of adjustment.
It is just a process, an ocean of unchartered waters. And I tend to get nervous when things get wavy.

But today, I heard the sweetest words so far...Our new little guy came to tell me something our youngest had done and he said, "My little brother is so silly." The significance of his own words wasn't lost on him as he quietly repeated, "My little brother..." "Yeah, buddy," I thought, "Your little brother is silly...and you're just like him! Silly as the day is long." Sweet realization sweeping over both of us.

God truly sets the orphan in families. He doesn't just drop them off and move on to the next one. With the gentle pressure of His great Potter's hands, He molds, makes and forms us together in one big, beautiful (and yes, even silly) clump. I'm so thankful God chooses to clump us together in physical families and in His spiritual family as well. I'm learning to bond with new family members in my house and in His. I just can't wait till heaven when we get to be one great big family clump at the throne of Jesus!