Friday Favs

Suzanne at Living to Tell the Story hosts this carnival every Friday for people to list their five favorite things for the week.

Today is my brother's birthday so I'm going to list 5 things about him that I am grateful for. (Because his wife gave me permission to do this online. And it beats a traditional birthday card. And it's the only way I know how to draw him over to the computer to look at a mere blog.)

1. When we were little, he was easy to bribe. If I accidentally (or otherwise) hurt him, I would beg him not to tell our mother and offer to buy him a G.I. Joe toy as payment for his silence. My mother thought I was an extremely generous older sister. She didn't realize I was paying to avoid my sins. That said, you wouldn't be able to bribe him with anything or for anything now that he's all grown up and adult-ified. He's as honest as the day is long. (And those of you with little children know that sometimes the days can be very, very long.)

2. He met his wife at a very young-ish sort of age (I know that some of you would say he IS young so what am I talking about?) and I never heard anything but "Jennifer, Jennifer, Jennifer." (Ok, but not in the sappy way that I made that just sound.) What I mean to say was, he wasn't the type to flirt and his affections were secure. He has always been faithful to and about her in every way. I'm so grateful that he married her (because she's really much more fabulous than he is). And I think I can get away with saying that because I do believe he agrees. He chose well and he loves her deeply. It commands that everyone else love and respect her also. (Not that that would be difficult, but it is nice to see and a good thing to be in fear of.)

3. When my dad was dying of cancer my brother cared for my dad in one way which I will never forget as long as I ever live. At the end of my dad's life, I watched my brother care for his father in an amazing way that touches me very deeply and, after having witnessed with my own eyes, I will always respect my brother for. Always. No matter what.

4. My brother is now a father himself and it is clear that he adores his little boy (aka, the Buckaroo). He works hard to care for his family - his wife and his son.

5. My brother loves the Lord with all of his heart, soul and mind. This I know. We're very different, he and I, but no matter the differences, I respect and admire his faith. It cheers me. It humbles me. And it makes me love him all the more for it.

Happy birthday, Christopher! If I could only ever have one brother to grow up with - I'm glad it was you.