Who could believe the summer had slipped away so quickly. Less time would now be spent on the swing set and riding bicycles in the neighborhood. And the swimming pool was being covered until next year. For the new school year was beginning and now most extra hours would be spent with homework and basketball practice.

Our only grandson, Levi, would start his new school year in the first grade. Little sister, Brooke, would make her first appearance in the four year-old preschool class.

Uniforms and school supplies were purchased and opening day arrived. Levi knew his way around because he had attended the small Christian school during his preschool and kindergarten days. But, I was a tiny bit apprehensive about Brooke's first full day. Would she miss her mom or become too tired before school was dismissed?

I was pleased that I would be picking them up after school and I could hardly wait to see their smiling faces. Gradually inching my car in a long line of parents and grandparents waiting, I spotted Levi and Brooke. They were standing by one of the teachers helping with after school duty. I could tell Levi was being very protective with his little sister when he said, "Come on, Brooke, I will show you where to go. I am your big brother and I will take care of you." Her face was very peaceful because she felt the security in her brother's voice.

Here I was the grandmother anxiously searching Brooke's face to see how her first day of school had gone. As they piled their backpacks and lunchboxes in my car, Brooke was happy to see me, but it was her brother, Levi, who was the hero of the day. He had been there at the end of long school session to help his younger sister in her time of need.

God is that kind of big brother to us. Perhaps you have a lot of fair weather friends who stick around when things are going well, but manage to remove themselves when things are turning tough. The greatest evidence of genuine friendship is loyalty.

You can trust our heavenly Father to be like Brooke's brother, Levi. Friends come and go, but God is faithful and will always be waiting to help you in your time of need.