Brothers

I was thinking of family today…specifically my brother. There are few bonds in this world as special as that of two brothers. In brotherhood, one experiences life always with the presence of one’s brother, growing and maturing into manhood shaped by the presence of each other. As a male, the body is designed to be strong, and the mind to master all that it is able. Left by himself, a boy can grow and become a man, but a boy with a brother has the advantage. A boy learns from his own life experience as well as that of his brother’s. As they mature, brothers must adapt to each other and thus mark each other’s life. Certainly, of course, parents mark and influence a child’s life, but a brother is “in the trenches”. Whether for good or ill, brothers uniquely shape the lives of each other in ways that no one else can.
In brotherhood, a man’s ability to live life skillfully is honed by his brother’s influence. In order to live peacefully brothers must reconcile with each other. This process teaches each brother the importance of self-control, teamwork, and honor. Conflict that arises from brother’s innate desire to do the same thing at the same time, constantly forces opportunity to learn these qualities. Maturing through the adolescent years, brothers begin to understand the effect that one brother’s reputation has on the other brother’s life. Thus the concepts of honor and respect begin to take baby steps in the life of each brother.
Time seems to pass quickly as boys become teenagers and then go on to be young men. And as brothers navigate through these chapters of their life, they may realize that they have been unknowingly relying on each other’s presence to form an opinion of themselves. Unfortunately, by the time they are old enough to realize that their brother has played this crucial role in their life, the complexity of adulthood no longer affords them access to each other. At this point they are left with merely nostalgia, thinking to themselves, “I have a brother. I am glad I have a brother.” and remembering fondly even fights that they had been in.
But good brothers never allow life to become too complex. They may be separated, but still stand side by side, each complimenting the other in aptitude and ability. They value each other for who they are and the effect they have on those around them. They continue to learn from the other’s life and wisdom they demonstrate. And in the end they will both bow before the throne of God giving thanks to God for giving him a brother.
I have a good brother. I love you Erin.