Thursday, October 7, 2010

BETTER Brothers - Day 7

In my opinion, having Gavin in our lives helps to make us better people. Since Gavin always has a smile for us, and he is usually in a great mood, it tends to ware off onto the rest of us. Plus, since Gavin is very dependent on us, we have had to become less selfish than we would naturally tend to be. I know this is true for me anyway, and I have noticed that it has had an affect on our other boys as well.

Our older boys are quite competitive with each other, but they are never like this with Gavin. Many times during the day I hear things like, "He wasn't playing fairly! He cheated! He took this from me!", when they are playing a sport or game with each other. But, when they are "playing" a game with Gavin, they are always kind and let him "win".

It is so cute to see Caleb wrestling with Gavin!




Of course, Gavin can't take part in the wrestling match what so ever, but Caleb has a great imagination, and in his head, Gavin is the BEST wrestler ever! Nolan agrees with this and calls Gavin the "ULTIMATE baby", who can take down anyone who might try to fight him! Nolan and Caleb come up with some great stories about all that Gavin has done in his life.....of course everything they say is a big story, but in their heads it appears to be the truth! There is absolutely no competition when it comes to Gavin.....according to his big brothers, he is the best at everything!





Maybe it's because they wish that Gavin could do more or maybe they are just playing with him as if he can do more? I'm not sure what they are thinking, but it's nice to see them want to play with Gavin, even though Gavin can't really play with them. It has made our boys less selfish and more thoughtful of others.....and I think this is a great thing!

Another thing...Caleb is not very keen on reading. It's a struggle to get him to practice reading each day. He complains and tries to get out of it, and is constantly asking when he can stop. But.....I have found that if I ask him to read out loud to Gavin, he will read better and longer, than if he reads with me. Maybe it's because he knows Gavin can't read on his own or maybe he just wants to be nice to his little brother and spend time with him? Whatever the reason is, it's adorable to me that he is willing to read to Gavin, plus it helps him learn to read better in the long run!







There are many more instances where Gavin helps to make our family learn to become better people. The point that I'm trying to make is this.....we really needed Gavin in our lives! Considering he isn't capable of doing much of anything, he has certainly brought about many great blessings, just by being here!

Each day we have with Gavin can only make us better brothers and better people! The world we live in can be such a selfish place! Having Gavin helps to ensure that we always have someone else to think of besides ourselves. And for this alone, we are very thankful to God for sending us Gavin!


"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

5 comments:

Derek, Kenzee and Gage said...

What a beautiful post, it gave me chills! What sweet boys, that just makes my heart melt!

Unknown said...

How true are your words! I have said so many times that I know Isabelle has a special purpose and I have already seen the difference she has made in mine.

Your boys are exactly the way I am hoping Wesley will grow up to be with Isabelle. These little people bring so many unspoken things to our lives that better enhance not only our lives, but also better enhance us as a family and as individuals.

Thanks once again for the great post. It's so nice to see and hear about other families who experience both the ups and downs of these precious little ones. Hope you have a great weekend!

(O and I love the matching shirts!)

Heather said...

I am so with you .. our lives,my childrens lives are richer and more blessed then people could ever,ever imagined,

Great pictures of the boys!

April said...

Oh I loved that post-- the love of a brother is like no other.

Alicia said...

Hey there! Sorry once again for my absence. Been really busy lately and trips to bloggy land have become fewer and farther between. I still check in on you and I still pray for you and the family daily.

I loved this post! I think it is so wonderful that Gavin has this effect on your boys. They realize, at such a young age, what is really important in this life.

I know you were trying to post everyday this month and I notice you have not blogged for over a week. I hope and pray it is just because you have been too busy. I hope and pray everything is A-OK in VW Land.

Hugs and love!