never enough boys around here

We've had another little boy in our home for almost a week. His parents are dear friends and went to Honduras on a medical missions trip, loving people in God's name. It's awesome that we get to be a little part of that blessing by loving on their precious son, while they are away. He's a sweetheart, and I may not be able to give him back this weekend! Boys are delightful-I would've happily had a whole tribe of them. It's been fun to see the way this dear child has brought some culture into our boys rough and tumble days. He plays the violin, faithfully practices his piano on a keyboard, and loves to make up french puns. He's a whiz at Science, and is about 10 lessons ahead of Josiah in the same Pre-Algebra math course, despite their being 2 years apart in age. I was just a little bit worried that my kids might feel intimidated by daily exposure to such an advanced student. Especially competitive Josiah. Would he feel inadequate, despite being so bright, himself? silly me.
I forgot that it is we adults who compare ourselves endlessly to others.
It is our crooked measuring stick that looks at another persons blessings, trying to determine if we are enough. Children, (when protected from playground mentalities), don't do that. I've loved watching the acceptance and easy camaraderie in these four boys. My sons seem to take it in stride how this other boy can knit wool socks and studies Latin-its different from their world, but just part of their friend, like his brown hair. What they see is how he laughs at the same jokes as Caleb, wields a plastic lightsaber skillfully to attack Sam, and can play Monopoly for hours with Josiah.
That he is, above all else, their friend.

Another lesson from my kids. I tell you, if God keeps this up? then by the time my babies move out on their own, I should be almost a grown-up, myself.