Tip of My Iceberg

The littles adore their very tall cousins.

We are fortunate to have a plethora of grands living close to us, aged two through twenty-one. We have enough interactions with family to appreciate the beauty of them genuinely enjoying each other.

To a degree.

Younger children have an energy level that seems unlimited–constant-motion machines that never need rest. At times that can feel a bit overwhelming to their older cousins who have developed other interests, hobbies, and habits other than merely playing with the littles.

Ethan is our oldest grand, and he’s been around long enough to know the drills with kids. He’s tender-hearted yet quiet, kind but thoughtful. When he’s focused on all the things he has on his plate, he doesn’t acknowledge the demands of his younger cousins. When he’s not overcommitted, he’s the fun cousin who allows the littles to hang on his legs and make it impossible for him to walk.

For a little bit of time anyway. Until the littles become too much.

Small people or things can have a major impact.

In the Biblical book of Judges, which covers about 330 years of time from 1383 BC to 1052 BC, there are stories of Israel falling into seven cycles of serious wrongdoing, compromising their religious beliefs and moral standards which required a God-appointed judge. During one of those cycles, a man named Gideon was chosen to help his people to overcome the Israelites enemies, the Midianites, who had over 135,000 in their army. But he was fearful, believing himself to be inadequate for the job; God encouraged him that he could do it. Gideon gathered an army of 32,000 men to fight, but God had other ideas; He reduced the number to 300.

“The Lord told Gideon, ‘With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others home.’…That night the Lord said, ‘Get up! For the Lord has given you victory over the Midianite hordes!’” Judges 7:7, 9.

The Israelite army defeated the Midianites because God protected them and strengthened them to fight against all odds.

The small army defeating the larger forces is a theme that happens often in the Bible. Think of the story of David and Goliath. God isn’t limited to what we have or are; He’s not restricted by our strength or skill set. God is greater than our greatest weakness, stronger than our worst fears.

Like his cousins who are small but mighty, the group of them were able to take Ethan down. Not that he didn’t allow it to happen, but they did persist.

We may be small and feel inadequate for what’s ahead for us. But with God, we have strength that is greater than we can imagine. A more powerful force with us than just our wits.

It’s not so bad being the little guy.