Usually, when I think of Siblings Day, I think of my siblings. But tonight, I was thinking about the sibling groups in my family of origin. I think of my Dad and my aunts and uncle. I think of my Mom and her eight sisters and three brothers. There are a lot of stories between these siblings and a lot of love. They each have pursued their way, and their stories have twists and turns. But in the end, God is faithful and glorified in their lives. And we say because two people fell in love, my siblings and I came to be. As we all get older, we enjoy one another so much. We miss Len, who died in 2012, but we remember him in the stories and memories we share. We see him in his children and marvel at how his legacy lives on through them. Len, Nick, Arlene, and Suzi have all birthed sibling groups that enhance our lives.
As we engage these growing-up young adults, we see God’s faithfulness from generation to generation. We know how the world is changing, but siblings remain essential to one another and support each other through good days and hard ones.
We see how these siblings support one another as they enter the following chapters of life. Some are finishing schooling, and others are starting new education chapters.
Some of these siblings have become aunts and uncles as a new sibling group is born. It is fun to watch them live into being Aunts and Uncles. Watching their nieces and nephews be so excited to see them brings sheer joy! It seemed like they were young just yesterday, and I was the new aunt!
Having great nieces and nephews is amazing. It is so fun to see the little ones love each other and be so loyal to one another. They do everything together, and as busy as their lives are, as much as they fight or cry or battle, they also hug, love, laugh, play, and celebrate the gift of every day!
My youngest three nephews and nieces are growing up so fast. One has one more year in college, one a few weeks left in high school, and she is mastering High School like a queen. They aren’t little anymore. They are figuring out life and make me so proud! They are a strong sibling group that loves and respects each other!
I am forever grateful for every sibling group that has touched my heart. I hold each of these Sibling Groups near and dear to my heart! ♥️ trish
Choosing or settling…I would guess those of us who have lived a few years can name some seasons of our life where we can identify decisions we confidently, or not so confidently, chose and others where we settled. The circumstances around those decisions may have looked different for each of us, but ultimately, the feeling of choosing versus settling is two very different outcomes.
I wonder if you have been in a situation where someone has looked to you for direction as they make their own significant decisions? Have you considered what questions lean into conversations of choosing versus settling?
Have you ever walked into a room and felt anxious? Or perhaps you have walked into a room and felt peace?
I wonder how often you have needed the voices of your tribe to speak into your life and remind you that everything will be okay. Or perhaps they remind you of your strength, value, or worth.
I read this and am struck by how hopeful and refreshing it sounds. Could mature adults be willing to engage in disagreements in this way? Wouldn’t it be amazing if we weren’t focused on right and wrong but were willing to consider that we just saw things differently?
Today, I spent time with a family who is very dear to my heart. They were processing their mother’s unexpected death. One thing evident throughout the day was how these adult children had chosen to spend time with their Mom so often that there was sadness but not regret. They learned how to “show up” in different ways via FaceTime, for morning coffee, a meal, a glass of wine, or a phone call. I so often heard the family’s updates through their Mom, and she was delighted to be able to share.