Paul and I have a mutual friend who knows us but not so much. Competition is generally the nature of sibling relationships. Trent, Paul and me could certainly be competitive. Even to this day we feel the twinge whether we are playing golf or angling for the most trout. However, we have learned over the years to be secure in our own skin. We may trade the winner’s cup on the golf course but when it comes to fishing I lose to them both.
Sometimes viewing life with others as a competition regarding who is better gets in the way of valuing the other. We face these battles in our personal, profession and pastoral lives.
One of the fun things has been to share a vocational experience with one of your brothers. I am not sure of the relationship between the Ascol brothers, but Paul and I shared conversations about theology while in college sharing a summer job. We continued those conversations while in Seminary when Paul lived with us for a couple of years. With the advent of technology, we generally keep up with one another and our theological musings regularly.
Paul recently offered a series of posts on diversity in the church. Dwight McKissic was so struck by it he asked Paul to make a presentation for a meeting. Word out of the meeting was it was a home run. I am not surprised. Both of my brothers are home runs.
