Not everyone will understand the impact of a good big brother, but those who have one will know the special meaning of a “big brother.” Being the youngest of seven children, not only do I know what a big brother is, but I also understand what it is to have a big sister.
Fondly, I remember standing on our porch with our mother, when I asked my big brother, Bub, if I could have his BB gun, now that he had a shotgun. I convinced him, by stating that each of us boys in the family would have a gun if he shared his old BB gun with me. His willingness to share has always stood out in my memory as a trait of being a good big brother.
I also recall sitting in his lap watching the first episode of Bonanza. I desired to be around my big brother especially when we gathered as a family in our living room at the end of each day. Some of these positive memories are more than sixty years old, but they seem as if they happened only a few yesterdays ago.
Recently, Bub and I discussed these long-ago events and fond memories. It brought me the comforting knowledge that I have been truly blessed with a good big brother. Though my other big brothers and my big sister have been gone for a long time, the memories still flood my soul. Those closely knit family ties and good big brother relationships will never be forgotten.
My only surviving sibling is acting like a big brother, as he tries to keep me from worrying about his physical condition. Bub is still treating me like he always has, even when I did not want him too. In nearly every circumstance, he was always my self-appointed protector. So, I must say to my big brother, that in your condition, your race and work in this life you have almost run. Before you go, I want to say thank you for what you have done.
May I say to all who read this, that there is another whom I know, and He too is a big brother. In all ways that are good as described herein, He will be by our side and even closer than Bub. It is Jesus our Lord. Jesus is closer than any good big brother could ever be. For our soul, Jesus came and died so that we may abide in heaven with Him. Having a good big brother is a blessing to know, and in this life, and the next, I am blessed beyond measure.
Proverbs 18: 24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”
Do you have an older brother or sister that had a major impact on you? Please share in the comment section below.
