The Sibling System

They argue and tattle and scuffle now and then, but these siblings, little offspring of mine, know how to connect with one another. When left to themselves, they will organize a game or playtime that leaves me smiling with awe. They create a system that works well and everyone is satisfied. Meghan, the oldest, usually decides how this is all going to play out. Today, she figures, all the vehicles need "gassing up" and her sisters and brother think this is a fantastic idea.

She knows how each member of the sibling team is going to feel, given their particular role in the system of play. If she's in the mood, she implements this perfectly and everyone is happy. This is truly what training them up is all about. As my oldest grows, using her knowledge in this area becomes a choice of obedience. The others, are also learning how to become leaders, but for now, they follow by example. Sharing, cooperating and humbly stepping aside for another person's benefit, are qualities we are practicing. Some days, there's little evidence of this! But by God's grace, we carry on and each day the sibling system is becoming one in which they will draw upon as they relate to and function in the world.