It has been nearly 5 weeks since Theo broke his arm. For me, it has gone by remarkably fast; I am sure it has been far more agonizing for Theo. Beyond the pain of the incident itself, he is also missing out on all of his favorite summertime activities. Theo absolutely loves playing in water, and so for him to sit out for even a moment is a unique level of torture. His brothers are currently in swim lessons, and he has to sit on the side…watching… waiting.
One thing that has been amazing about the whole experience is how much support and encouragement this church has given my son. As an adult, I feel as though I can handle most things regardless of how uncomfortable it might be. Yet there is a certain discomfort when your child has problems that you can’t immediately fix. The care that Theo has been given has been awesome. From care packages, books delivered, and concern shown, it has at times filled my heart beyond words.
Although the initial warmth has worn off, perhaps the best thing was watching Milo and Cooper take care of their brother. They would carry his things for him, help him do simple tasks, sit by him and be a comfort. In those moments, you could think, “Wow, they really love each other.” And even perhaps, “I at least taught them to take care of each other.”
As always at times like this, I consider the words of Jesus, as he tells others how our love and care for each other demonstrates our connection to God.
John 13:34-35 ESV – 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Over and again, we are told that our love for each other reveals who we are following and how we have been discipled or trained. The way we treat each other is a vital testimony to the world. I also have to imagine that our Heavenly Father sees our concern for each other and, like me, an earthly dad, smiles over how we love our family.
1 John 3:10-11 ESV – 10 By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. 11 For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
God’s Word tells us that this is how we love our Christian family; it is as important as practicing righteousness. In other words, if we want a right relationship with God, we must also love each other. I see this from a human perspective too: if my kids were to be mean and unloving to each other, that would absolutely wound me as a parent. Although I didn’t pressure my other sons to care for Theo, what I saw was a natural outpouring of love that comes from true affection. This is what God desires from us as well; we do not love out of obligation, but because we are so full of love, love that comes from God, that we can’t help but care for those around us. When we love in this manner, we distinguish ourselves as Children of God.