I love my sister so much!
I left my room this morning and found this—a card and two of
my favorite chocolates that she received for her birthday yesterday. She had
already shared these truffles with me last night, but in the morning there were
two more. The card, yet another homemade craft from her to match my personality
and favorite shade of blue. The note inside says she loves and appreciates me and includes an apology for acting a little differently lately.
It was her birthday yesterday and I forgot to get her a gift
before camp, so when I came home in the afternoon of her birthday I had nothing
to give her. I could have written her a card, at least, telling her how much I
love her, but it didn’t even cross my mind. It’s the morning after her birthday
and she’s set on fixing her side of our relationship.
My mind is blown. My heart is broken. My spirit is humbled.
How can she even consider “reconciling” her side of the
relationship when I’ve been beyond lame not just this weekend, but my entire
life? I’ve never loved her the right way, but she’s intent on loving me right.
I had an opportunity to speak at the “Love in the Home”
workshop at winter camp, and I shared about my amazing sister. I said that she
has always loved me way better than I’ve ever loved her… and I fully mean that.
I talked about how she’s written me notes throughout the years encouraging me
that things will get better, affirming me in the things I’m doing right, loving
me even when I didn’t understand it (and certainly did not deserve it).
My sister has loved me when I’ve been a total brat, when
I’ve yelled at her, when I’ve pushed her away, and when I’ve closed the door on our
relationship. She's just kept on loving. A few years ago God changed my
heart, and I finally desired a relationship with my sister. I started
responding to her invitations and she immediately accepted me as one of her
best friends.
Even though I’ve wronged her more times than I can count.
Even though I’ve insulted her and rejected her love so many
times.
Even though I fail miserably at loving her back.
Even though there doesn’t seem to be anything in it for her.
Steph loves me.
I can’t remember a time she’s complained about the way I
neglect her, forget to encourage her, or fail to look at things from her
perspective. I have never once felt like she's nice in order to get something from me. She loves me freely because she loves me, and more importantly,
because she loves Him.
I see Jesus in my sister. How many times have I offended God
and wronged Him? How many times have I rejected Him? But the moment I run back
to His arms, forgiveness is right there and our relationship is immediately
reconciled like nothing ever happened.
Even though I’ve wronged Him more times than I can count.
Even though I’ve insulted Him and rejected His love so many
times.
Even though I fail miserably at loving Him back.
Even though there doesn’t seem to be anything in it for Him.
Jesus loves me.
What an incredible God I live for. What immense love He has
for me. I am humbled and broken this morning as I learn more of Jesus’ unending
and unfailing love through one of the biggest blessings in my life—my
beautiful, God-fearing sister.
“We love because God first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
My sister has been overwhelmed and humbled by Christ’s love;
she genuinely lives it out even in our home where it is often easiest to
neglect godliness. Right now I am overwhelmed and humbled by Christ’s love, and
my response is immediately brokenness and love for my Savior.
I desire to love my sister the way she loves me, the way
Jesus loves us. I long to love others with the love God has for them. May I
respond to His ocean of love by seeking His heart every single moment until He
comes.
