My little brother had a birthday today. He’s the sweetest little boy. A handful – especially for a house-full of sisters before he came along – but so sweet.
But there is one thing about him that I remembered, only last year. Something that to me, is quite precious. You see, I always wanted a brother. I don’t know why. I just always did. I really wanted a brother close to my age, but I also really wanted a baby brother.
I don’t know what prompted it, but one rainy day, my family and I were all in our caravan. I was about sixteen or seventeen. Probably sixteen almost seventeen, really. I stared out the window, watching the raindrops slide down the glass; sometimes following their trail with my finger. Then I asked, “Lord, if it’s Your will, could I please have a little brother?” Then I added, “And if it’s Your will – can He be born on my eighteenth birthday?”
I didn’t tell anyone about that prayer. I may have journaled about it, but that’s as far as I went. Then I forgot about it. It was an earnest request, but I really just let it go. I left it with the LORD.
When Daddy and Mum told us that a baby was on the way, I don’t remember thinking about that prayer, but I just knew it was a boy. When the ultrasound was done, they had us guess before they told us. I said boy. I knew it. And I was right. My little brother was on the way.
He wasn’t born on my birthday. Not exactly. But my baby brother was born in May. My birthday month. And what’s more, he was born exactly 11 days after my birthday. My eighteenth birthday.
His birth was amazing, in that terrifying, drive you to your knees in prayer kind of a way. But that’s a story for another day. I’ve often thought of my little brother as my birthday present, but since I’ve remembered my prayer, that phrase has become even more sweet to me. The LORD saw fit to grant my daydream request. How sweet and precious is that!
I thank the LORD for my baby brother – not as often as I should. That boy really is a blessing. He keeps us laughing with his antics. He comes to stroke our hair and pray for us when we’re in pain. He gives some of the best hugs you’ve ever gotten. And he has the sweetest smile that you could ever wish to see. (Even while missing those two bottom teeth!)
So, tonight, thank you, LORD. Thank you for my birthday present.
To the KING be all the glory!