Wednesday, August 1, 2012

The Differences of Twins


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

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