I have not written a post in awhile, so Dani said it was my turn. :) So, I decided to just share a few thoughts- things that I have been discussing with Mom, the girls, and a dear friend of mine. It is on the subject of relationships with younger siblings.
For awhile, I have been consistently reminded of the importance of spending time with my siblings- it is just doing it that can be challenging! So often, when I have free time, I decide that I want to go do one of my projects, or something enjoyable for me. But, instead, I want to be the kind of sister that will go do something with my siblings, to build relationships! In the end, that will be what lasts. There are so many things we can do with our siblings, and they don't even all have to be fun- it is great to do a job together, or do something together to bless someone else. Often times when I decide to do something with them, I want to do something that I would enjoy (usually something not high-energy :), but I have been challenged to do things with them that might not be so fun for me, like playing tag, or making up a story with them. I desire for my younger siblings to have good memories with me- that they will grow up remembering the good times they had with me, not me always going off to do something on my own, for myself. Also, an idea I have heard is to write special notes to them, or bless them with a little gift- they will treasure that! I have so much to learn and grow in this area, and I need to be more consistent in spending time with my siblings! But, I think that the reward will be close relationships, which is definitely worth the time put into it!
Blessings to you,
~Amanda
Hello Amanda,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for posting! This is a wonderful point! I don't have any younger siblings, but yet I can still practice the same with my older siblings. I try to do things when they ask me, but I can sometimes be reluctant. This is not the way I need to be! The Bible says that God loves a cheerful giver. We should do what others need, and not think about our own desires, or what we want. I try to live up to my name and sow gifts of joy in amongst my family members. I like to greet each one when I see them with a hardy "hello!" I think it can really help them, especially if they are feeling down at the moment, and also thrills my heart to hear their answering, "hello." ;) Thank you again for the encouragement! You are so special to me!
May you have a blessed evening!
Love you, dear friend,
Martha Joy
Your comment is a challenge to me! That is wonderful that you are striving for joy in your family. What a blessing that is to your family, and to those you meet and come in contact with!
DeleteBlessings to you!
Amanda ~ YES! I commend your desire to grow in this area. It's such an opportunity for ministry, and one that is missed by so many girls who are looking for something 'big' to do for God.
ReplyDeleteI remember one time when my oldest daughter, then about 17, was busy doing some task. Four-year-old Megan called to her, "Look, Jennifer, look!"
Jennifer glanced up with a quick smile and a 'that's nice' type of comment, then turned back to her task. Next thing she heard was Megan's plaintive voice pleading, "Jennifer, can you look - and KEEP ON looking?"
How often we - big sisters and moms alike - don't really look or listen with our hearts. May God help each of us pour ourselves out in this simple way for the little people in our lives!
Thank you so much for commenting- what you said is another wonderful reminder to me! So often, it is easy to ignore the little ones, and when you do, they lose their desire to show you the things they are excited about, or share special things with you. Wow! That is a big thought and challenge! Thank you so much for sharing!
DeleteDear Amanda,
ReplyDeleteBravo! An excellent post! So many people are like you and I, I am sure that they will be as challenged by your thoughts on this area as I have been!
You know I have not ever left a comment before: hopefully this will work!
You are in my prayers!
Love,
Ashley
I was just thinking either last night or this morning about if there was another way you might be able to comment, and I am so delighted that you can comment now! Thank you so much for challenging me in this area- I have learned a lot as we have discussed this topic, and your insights have been so helpful to me! You are in my prayers as well!
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