My Beautiful, Exquisite Sister!

 

Recently we celebrated my sister’s birthday.  She and her husband came and we shared dinner and cake and ice cream and presents.  It was fun, and brought back many memories. 

 

In Japan the role of the oldest child is important. The oldest has more responsibility, and must watch over the younger.  Since I am the oldest, I have always felt responsibility for my sister.  I felt it my role to protect her, and to help her as best I could.  Since I have disabilities, some thought she was taking care of me and that she was my security, but in reality, yes, she helped me much.  However, I was stability for her.  We were a good team.

When she got married, I found it hard to part with her.  I love her husband and was glad for her, but there was an empty space in my life.  I realized as we celebrated her birthday, that I still feel a responsibility for her.  I made sure to order a cake I knew she wanted.  I wanted to make sure everything was right for her. 

I thank God for sending her to our family.  She has always encouraged me to grow, and she is and always will be a bright spot in my life.  How I love that beautiful, exquisite sister of mine!

That Big Bag of Expectations

This week I got to go to my sister’s house for the day.  We had some work to do for her so we went.  I always get excited about seeing her and go with a whole sac of expectations about the time.  I know in my head my expectations are unreasonable, but each time I go I pack up those expectations and drag them along with me.  Then, rather than enjoying my time, I am frustrated because my expectations are not being met.  So, I get to pack up my disappointment for the trip home.

This time I tried to focus on what we were doing, and enjoying that.  I tried to be more flexible.  So when a disaster in the kitchen delayed and changed the breakfast plan, I prayed, and waited without being obnoxious.  When the dog tried to sit on me, I was patient, and nudged her in a different direction.  When Mom and Abi went shopping for clothes Abi needed, I did not get mad, but prayed they would find what was needed.  When lunch was not to my time schedule, I waited and prayed for no disasters. 

At the end of the day the work was accomplished, and I was happy.  I had a pleasant day with my sister, and I experienced little frustration.  It was a good time.  I could thank the Lord for a good time.  Next time I do not have to carry the heavy bag of expectations when I go.  Thus the heavier bag of disappointment also is not on my back. 

Now, to remember this and do it!

A Special Gift

Oh what fun to have a sister!  I feel so blessed to have my sister.  I remember the excitement on the day she arrived in our family.  It was definitely love at first sight.  We were not always compatible but we had many fun times in our younger years.  Since she talked and I did not she soon became our spokesman.  I did what I could for her and she helped me more than I could ever say.  She always has had a sense for beauty and she showed me how to see the glory of God in sunsets, snow, fall leaves.  I watched as she grew into womanhood, her beauty a testament to God’s glory.  Her struggles tore at my heart. When she went to kindergarten crying I stayed home and cried with her.  I have prayed her over many hurdles.  When she found the love of her life I was so thrilled to think of having a brother added to our family.  Then she was married, living far away, and I was desolate.  How could I be so sad when she was so happy?  Yet, she is still my sister.  I love her with all my heart.  I pray for her daily.  This week I got to work with her in her yard.  It may surprise you to hear me say it was fun, but it was.  We were now two adults working side by side.  She helped me when I needed it.  She pushed me when I needed a push.  She held me into account when I needed it.  Then she made sure I got the dessert I did not need.  In case you did not know it, I love my sister very much.  She is, and always will be, God’s special gift to me.