By this all men will know

Everyone loves it when they get complements on their children and we are no exception.  This week we are taking advantage of a guest pass at Sara's sister's gym.  The kids love it because it means swimming everyday in a very fun pool.  Yesterday a woman commented on how obvious it is that the older two grew up with a lot of love because of the way they love their younger brother.  They frequently take breaks from the water slide to go play with him in the shallow end. 

I mention this story for two reasons.  First is that it illustrates well that we are not two missionaries towing our three kids halfway around the world.  We are actually a team of five missionaries because each of our kids has a vital role in the work.  Our daughter has more love to give than her two brothers can absorb.  Sara jokes that sometimes she isn't necessary in this family with our little "second mother" around.  Our oldest son has shown a natural ability to teach by helping his brother learn much of his English vocabulary.  He also helps the little one get plenty of physical activity through their wrestling matches.  Our baby boy is a bridge for our family into the lives of the Burkinabe people.  He was theirs before he was ours.

The second reason is that it also illustrates what Christ told us in John 13:35.  The distinguishing characteristic of God's children should be that they love each other.  It was obvious to the woman that our older two had experienced a lot of love, not that they were well trained on how to be good siblings.  When others look at us as God's children it should be obvious that we have experienced Real Love.  The only reason we can love each other in that way is if we first experience true love from our Father.  We can only give what we have already received.  No amount of books, church programs, or conferences can substitute.  If you don't feel like you have experienced that Love lately, just ask your Father to show you!  Then go share that Love in such a way that our Father will receive compliments on His kids.