My sister said the best part of last night was looking over and seeing her brothers and their wives enjoying the night together... this morning... it's the most important statement I take away from our evening with John McCain, Barack Obama and Pastor Rick Warren at Saddleback's Civil Forum.
We're not together, all of us in one place, all that often. Incredibly appropriate that we were when a preacher, one we all respect and love, invited a couple of politicians to share their views on some of the tough topics of today. It's how we were raised... Kat pointedly reminded me of that as we left the church. Even still, listening to her lecture me, inwardly I was smiling... thinking how proud I am to have such a fantastic "little" sister. Such an amazing brother-in-law in Dan. The evening didn't challenge my politics or sway my vote... but it did remind me that we've been blessed with the gift of family. Thanks Kat and Dan.
Tolerating older brothers... and we're a trio who often require a great deal of love... must be a special gift God gives little sisters. I use to look at my Aunt Lois with such love- I can barely write about her because I've missed her since the day she died... almost 20 years ago. She had all these older brothers. My dad was one of them. She was the baby. Uncle Meredith and Aunt Lois raised a wonderful family, discovered great success, shared a beautiful love for each other and were fantastic on the social scene. They would have loved being at Saddleback's Social Forum. Only thing that would have made it better for them would have been if Dad, Mark, Glenn and John could have been there as well, as their guests, enjoying the moment in the limelight... fighting over politics... united in Christ.
I really didn't learn anything new last night... not about the candidates- but it was very cool to see and hear them in person -not about Saddleback or Pastor Rick, I still stand in awe of all they've accomplished and all they continue to do in His service -not even about my sister, she's loved and tolerated me... all three of us her entire life... God is too good.
Last night I was reminded of how very blessed we've been to have a little sister. How blessed I've been to have a great friendship with her. I realized it's what I liked so much about dad and Aunt Lois... they were so very close. Kat and me, well, we couldn't have asked for any better. Danny and Timmy have been just the older brothers we needed. Last night- we were all together -and it was good. Kat's friend was right... it was "just a little like Heaven." Made me think of one of the angels in our family- Aunt Lois -this morning, can't get her off my mind.
Don't know how long it's been since you've spent an evening with your siblings. Don't know if it requires "America's most powerful religious leader" (Rick Warren, according to Time Mag) and the two people fighting to hold the title of President of The United States of America, to get you and your siblings together... that's what it took for us... that and a loving little sister. (Mom use to be able to do it with just a birthday cake!) Whatever it takes- I suggest you do it. The four of us have lived through a bunch of presidents and we'll probably survive whoever's elected this time... can't imagine having lived a day of my life without each of my siblings in it. Last night was a great reminder.
Just a little like Heaven after all...
blessings,
Eric
Thanks Guys
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