The LORD said to her, "Two
nations are in your womb; And two peoples will be separated from your body; And
one people shall be stronger than the other; And the older shall serve the
younger." When her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were
twins in her womb. Now the first came forth red, all over like a hairy garment;
and they named him Esau. Afterward his brother came forth with his hand holding
on to Esau's heel, so his name was called Jacob; and Isaac was sixty years old
when she gave birth to them. When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful
hunter, a man of the field, but Jacob was a peaceful man, living in tents.
Genesis 25:23-27
Five years ago today my daughter and son-in-law
were blessed with twins and Susie and I with our first
two grandchildren. They were living 1000
miles away outside of Indianapolis, Indiana but there was no question about
whether we would be present for their birth.
Looking at pictures of the ultrasound, it was inevitable that the girl
(Emery would be born before her brother (Gavin) by only a matter of seconds
since it was a caesarean delivery.
Throughout the pregnancy it seemed Emery had her feet firmly planted in
Gavin’s face (as if to give him warning of things to come). I thought of the story of Jacob and Esau.
Their coming was not without some trauma with
complications for both mother and her offspring, but all was forgotten when
they came to the room and could be held.
There they were...twins! And
there the likeness ended. While carried
in the same womb and birthed the same day, they are anything but alike. As a matter of fact, they are pretty much
opposites...again I thought of Jacob and Esau.
Over the past five years I watched them learn the
wonders of God’s creation. Each
discovers something different; each learns at a different pace; each has their
own likes and dislikes. Twins? You could fool me! They are their own individuals with sibling
rivalries that make Jacob and Esau look like rookies!
You might align their difference with being male
and female but it just doesn’t fit.
There are many other things that have impacted their lives. Health issues played a huge role as each have
fought some pretty big battles, especially Gavin. That also caused Gavin to be much more
dependent and attached to his mother...and I think of Jacob and Esau.
Now, I’m not sure that Gavin can ever pull the
stinky, wooly sheepskin and hot stew trick on his dad. He doesn’t seem the kind anyway. And now, with a second brother, Emery has TWO
to boss around consuming most of her energy.
There seems to be no doubt these two are headed in different directions. What I know is that they were created by a
loving God who has a purpose for their lives far beyond what their little minds
can envision. It was never His intention
that they be alike for each one is a new creation.
For
You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks
to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And
my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made
in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Psalms 139:13-15
So
I celebrate a special day and two very special lives and watch with wonder as
God’s purpose unfolds. And even though
there are sixty years between us, I still believe God has a plan for my days as
well. Do you?
Happy
Birthday Emery and Gavin!
Scripture to Claim:
Your hands made me and fashioned me; Give me
understanding, that I may learn Your commandments. Psalms 119:73
