Graduating

Last night my sister, Lauren, graduated from Nursing School! We are all so proud of her. I know she worked really hard and put in many hours of sitting on her butt, studying. LOTS of Starbucks. When she was walking down the stairs to get to the stage, her profile reminded me of the little sister I grew up with. Ever since Lauren was born, I have loved her and felt protective of her. I've always thought she was cute, too! With her long blonde hair and eyelashes. The way she spoke her "R's". She was my little buddy- the only other kid in the house with me for many years, she was my companion. We played together, competed some, teased...I got some bites from her; we embarassed each other and said things we shouldn't have said, especially me! To this day, I feel really badly that I pantsed her at the car dealership, called her names, and made fun of the Christian music she listened to in middle school (when I now love the same music!) I remember feeling for her when she busted her knee open and there was blood everywhere! I felt so sad for her, it was like the accident happened to myself! There have been times where I've ratted her out because honestly there have been times where I've wanted justice. Other times, I was afraid of what she was getting herself into, and wanted what was best for her. Sisters know each other pretty well. I want to always know mine well. I've always had a strong sense of responsibility when it comes to my family relationships for some reason; not as much now as I used to. I felt like I had to be a strong tower to keep people at peace and be the best example. But I'm more relaxed about that now. I know now that God is the strong tower and really the only one who can change people from the inside out if they want Him to; He is the ultimate peacemaker. I know I can do my best to be a good example, but it's not all on my shoulders. I used to run my mouth more and say things harshly (I'm sure I still do from time to time, but I pray I don't.) but I know Lauren has seemed to have a "let's move on" mentality. She hasn't liked to dwell on things for too long, and I've learned from that. She is kind and gives people the benefit of the doubt. As my sister is graduating from college, I think about how we're always graduating on to the next levels: jobs, traveling, marriage, babies, family, faith. The growing never stops, hopefully! And I believe there's a path for our lives, a God-given one, that we are to follow that shapes our lives into fulfilled ones. So, here's a toast to my sister, Lauren. May you always know you're loved. May you always know your worth. May you know the joy and peace of the Lord in your daily life as you go on your way into the world of working Americans. Know you have a sister who is always here for you in every up and down of life, who will try her best to comfort and encourage you and speak the truth in love even if it hurts and you don't want to hear it necessarily. Know you have family to fall back on, and even when family doesn't seem to understand you, know there's a loving God who does. This is your time to shine! And you are shining, girl!