July 2 – “An unexpected brother”

The other day when our electricity was off for a while and we had responsibility for four grandchildren, the obvious choice for dealing with the heat had to involve some form of outdoor water play.  So we blew up the little kiddie pool we have on hand, turned on the hose and turned the kids loose.  They spent a good amount of time trying to fill up water balloons to use in an ambush against me, but they had great difficulty getting them tied.  And the ones they did get tied (or got help from their Mom with) they ended up smashing against each other.  By the time I made my way out to “check on them,” Josiah had the only one left.  And of course he promptly tossed it at me.  And so it was on.  The ensuing battle didn’t really last all that long, though.  Once I gained control of the hose they were doomed.  Oh, I was plenty wet, though.  They used the jar the balloons came in as well as an ice chest to scoop up water with. 

My favorite moment, though came when Josiah and Micah turned on each other.  Well, they weren’t actually angry or anything.  They just decided it was time for a full on wrestling match in the pool.  They tossed and turned and body-slammed each other for a good twenty minutes, all the while laughing and squealing with delight.  And their fight-scripted dialogue was nothing short of hilarious.  At one point Josiah, in his best Hulk voice declared as he attacked, “You hurt my brother.”  Micah was a bit taken back by that one, but he handled the surge with a quick side-step and a shove, dropping Josiah in a splash.  Before the younger assailant could respond, Micah queried, “So who is your brother?”  Well, they had my attention.  I didn’t think he was talking about Jachin, not while in the character he had been portraying.  So what would be his answer?  He didn’t hesitate a beat.  “J.J. Watts is my brother.”  Of course J.J. Watts is the incredible defensive lineman for the Houston Texans.  Well, rest assured, Little J.J.  Your brother Josiah has your back. 

1 John 2:10 says, “Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.”

Father, thank you for the unique bond Josiah and Micah displayed.  May it continue to grow stronger as they grow.  Amen.