As a Sister..

I'm the "middle" one. 

As a younger child, I didn't think twice about telling friends, teachers, or anyone else that I had two older sisters who were the same age... "No they're not twins... They're a month apart." 

I'm sure there were countless head shakes and thoughts of "poor girl, she doesn't understand how this works". 

And there's one boy... Only boy AND the baby... Spoiled rotten. 

At one point or another, each one of my sibs has been my hero. 

I covet J’s gentle and sincere spirit.

I admire L’s passion and devotion. 

I value T’s conversation and gift of quality time. 

Growing up and even into adulthood, I loved showing off the unique blend of souls that comprises my family.  We love each other and we love each other hard. 

Years of bonding with pizza every Friday on top of a balloon blanket will do that. We are hard on each other and pounce on any sign of weakness. We mock and tease. We gang up. We laugh often and loudly. We fight for one another and intercede when one of us can’t.

When tragedy strikes, we reunite on top of the balloon blanket and heal.

When life births joys, we erupt in laughter and cheer. 

We remember well and recognize the gift of the home we shared and the parents who reared us in truth and unconditional love. 

I am a sister to three of the greatest human beings that my God has created. 

This is my role:

I want to be a valuable presence. 

It is somewhat simple at times to just be present, but it takes active pursuit of being a valuable one. 

I want to encourage them. I want to be a source of life and love.  I want to pour into them spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I want to help raise their children and bear their burdens. I want to carry them to the foot of the cross when they cannot carry themselves.
I want to show up when it matters and even when it doesn't.  I have lacked in this role.  It's such a significant position and I have taken it for granted through my absence of presence. 

There is no greater and harder ministry, than that of family and I am so fortunate to serve these three. 

And now there are even more to our little clan. 

I have more brothers, a sweet new sister and now precious nephews. 

I am sure that it will continue to grow and we will love every moment, but in this one, I hope to be a constant, a presence of value.