Spotlight Saturday: My Brother, Sean

Sean and his wife, Krista

Today for my spotlight, instead of spotlighting a “thing” I am going to focus on a person who has made a great impact on my life as a person and a basket wife: my brother, Sean.  Today my little brother turns 26 years old.  My little brother has been one of my closest friends since as long as I can remember.  Of course, as kids we had our spats.  We surely drove my parents crazy at points with our bickering, but at the end of the day, we always knew we would be there for each other.  From our teenage years on, I don’t know that I can remember one actual argument or anger towards one another.  I know this is a rare and very special gift between siblings, so today I want to celebrate his birthday with some lessons our friendship has taught me.

1. For whatever one sows, that he will also reap (Galatians 6:7).  Cultivating a loving environment in the home can reap great rewards.  My parents truly encouraged Sean and me to be great friends.  They made sure we played together from an early age by limiting our television and video games and forcing us to be outside playing.  They encouraged us to be friends and to look out for one another.  I don’t remember pride being used as fuel in our home by pitting the two of us against one another so that they could get one of us to do something.

They also fostered affection in the home.  We were always  a family who gave lots of hugs and kisses and always told one another we loved each other.  My Dad especially was instrumental in my brother becoming an affectionate, sensitive man.  My dad was always open about his feelings and made sure that we knew how much he loved us through words and actions.  My brother in turn, became a man who was completely secure in showing his own feelings.  He not only cried when they dropped me off at college, but after he shed tears at my wedding, his wife (then fiancee) asked him if he would “Please not convulse like that” at their own wedding!

Joe and I have both tried to encourage and pray for a loving relationship between our children.  The relationship of a sibling can be one of the greatest (or worst) in the world.  Every time I see the love between our kids, I continually give thanks and am reminded of my own great friendship with my brother.  I hope it is a legacy we can keep going for many generations.  I know no matter what parents encourage and foster in their home, it is ultimately a gift of God to love your sibling.

My parents, Sean, Krista, Me, Abby, Elijah and Naomi

2. Faithful are the wounds of a friend (Proverbs 27:6). Sean has been someone who has shown me the humility of heart to receive words of correction or challenge.  I have never hesitated to share a hard word with him knowing that he will receive it with a humble heart and think it over.  He has always been quick to admit his mistakes and ask for forgiveness or prayer in areas of weakness.  He knows he is not perfect and therefore is always looking to learn and grow through the encouragement of others.

3. It is more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35). Sean is one of the most giving people I know.  He is always looking for ways to serve those around him.  I know this is the work of Jesus in him though because growing up my mom had to be on top of him just keep his room clean!  Since becoming a Christian, Sean has certainly emulated Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45).  Even with his busy schedule, he is always available to help out.  He will come change your tire if you are stranded, help with your yard work or design a banner for your website.  He is a man of many talents who loves to use them to bless others!

4. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord (Colossians 3:23). Sean is a hard worker.  He has taught me a lot about stepping out of my comfort zone and learning to do new things.  All of the computer skills and website design he has learned on his own.  He and his wife bought a house that needed some fixing up, and Sean learned how to do most of it all on his own.  He and another coach started a soccer academy that Sean has kept running since day one.  If there is work to do, Sean is going to do it with all of his might.  And he is not looking for the praise for it, but simply works hard for the audience of One he loves above all else: God.

5. But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24b). Sean is also a loyal person.  He dated one girl seriously in all of his life and married her.  He is someone that once you are friends with him, it is going to have to be you who breaks the tie with him.  He still gets together with high school friends and keeps in touch with those from college.  He was always protective of me (he almost came to blows with a guy who took a cheap shot at me in a a co-ed adult league game the week before my wedding!) and to my knowledge has never spoken ill of me to anyone else.  He is a true friend and one that you can depend on.

That is just a small glimpse into my brother and the way he inspires me in my life.  If there is someone in your life who does that for you, tell them today!