It was pre 7:00 A.M., and I was on the last half of my daily walk. Florida humidity had already soaked my attire, and I rejoiced that I was, so to speak, on the home stretch. In the far distance, my gaze caught a little girl (I’d guess 9 years old) who was wearing a backpack and crossing the road. The first week of summer vacation dawned as the first week of summer school for her. However, she was not the focus of my attention. I was riveted on the teen (probably 15 years old) who was riding his bike and leading her path.
What teenage boy would be up riding a bike pre 7 A.M. on the first day of summer vacation? A brother, that’s who! I picked up my pace, hoping to reach the siblings before they were gone. That morn the school bus outran me. Before my legs reached their side, the little girl had boarded her transport, and the young man had ridden off from where he came. I thought maybe tomorrow, if it was meant to be, or so I prayed.
Imagine my delight when 24 hours later, I once more witnessed this same brother/sister blessing. This time they were in near distance. Turning on my after burners, I power walked to this duo’s spot. Praise God, I arrived before the school bus.
I thanked them both for being “HOPE for the FUTURE” for this old lady. Confirming they were brother and sister, I affirmed the brother for being the loving and protective arm God calls an older sibling to be. I offered him praise for answering God’s calling. He thanked me as his little sis instinctively hugged him. It was the picture of family caring and sharing.
What picture has this week left you remembering — a world torn apart by fighting differences or a big brother lovingly protecting his little sister? For me, there is no question. Praise God for family love and caring outshining all worldly hate and destruction.
Uplifted in a Broken Down World 