I texted Kel from outside the door to get
the video cameras rolling. He got it and
had his cell phone camera running when the boys entered the room. Very cute sight. A nurse was just about to give the baby her
first bath, so the band of big brothers got to watch. Jachin did his best to appear cool and
nonchalant. Micah seemed torn between
following the actions of his big brother or throwing himself into full-on rapt
attention. Josiah completely ignored the
two boys, however. He positioned himself
as close as possible to the crib and started talking to the tiny child stretched
out before him. Once given assurances
from Mommy that it was all right, he cautiously touched, then gently stroked
her while talking to her in a voice that mimicked one he had no doubt heard
often himself, cooing softly and assuring her that all was well.
Cameras at the ready it finally came time
for Mom and Dad to do the official introductions. Now Kel had already said that if the delivery
was stalled until the anniversary date of the release of Star Wars (one day
this week), the baby’s name would have been Leia for sure. Christina was sure glad she didn’t last that
long). But the time had come. Kel got everyone’s attention. “This is your baby sister, Noa Rae Vaughan,” intoned
Dad. By then Micah had pretty much abandoned
all efforts at coolness and was firmly entrenched with Josiah in the loving big
brother camp. The two of them grinned
shyly and returned to the business of staring and stroking the little one.
Jachin was obviously disappointed with the
name. He wanted Rachel or better yet,
Iris. He found out that Iris means
Rainbow, so he thought that would be a very cool name. Kel hastened to tell him the story of the
girl Noa in the Bible. In Numbers, when
Moses was talking about dividing up the Promised Land among the Israelites, he
received some visitors. The five daughters
of a guy named Zelophehad (OK, I looked it up, but Kel couldn’t remember the
guy’s name, either) came to Moses with a problem. Their father had died on the journey and they
had no brothers. They had no other
family at all, apparently. The land was
being apportioned to the male members of each tribe, so that meant they would
be left out in the cold entirely. That
was just not fair. To his credit Moses
did the proper thing. He prayed. And God responded by agreeing with the
girls. In fact he issued a decree that
essentially became one of his laws: In situations like these where there is no
male heir, the property will be transferred to the nearest relative, even if
she is a female. Nice job, Noa. That story is in Numbers 27:1-11. Oh, and by the way, Joshua followed through
for them when they conquered the land.
Noa and her sisters made their way to him and reminded him of God’s
promise, and he saw to it that they got the inheritance of land. Those girls were steadfast (that’s the nice
word for stubborn) in standing up for the rights of those who were
oppressed. A fine, noble legacy to live
up to, to be sure.
I’m not sure how much of an effect the
story had on Jachin, but it didn’t take long for his big brotherly instincts to
kick in, and he was asking for his turn at holding her. Chris told him he should choose one his
favorite names and use it as a sort of pet name for his sister. I honestly don’t think it will take long for
him to forget his disappointment. After
all, he has a young charge to take care of for the next eighteen years or
so. Rest assured, Noa. Big Brothers have got your back. The Guardians of the Girl are officially on
duty.
Psalms 89:7-8 says, “In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more
awesome than all who surround him. O
Lord God Almighty, who is like you? You
are mighty, O Lord, and your faithfulness surrounds you.”
Father, give those boys wisdom and discernment
as they watch over their little sister.
Oh, and give her patience with them.
I’m afraid she’s gonna need it.
Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment