A Teachable Moment...Part II

There is something about loss that awakens the heart. Since Heidi's kidnapping over eighteen years ago I understand and appreciate each moment with those closest to me. I learned in a real and tragic way to value every moment.

I don't know what tomorrow brings or even what might happen in the next moments, BUT one thing I do know is WHO does know. God not only knows but he knew before we were even born.

"Your eyes saw my unformed body;
    all the days ordained for me were written in your book
    before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:16

How cool is that!? 

Monday's blog was emotional and from the heart. At first I planned to write today's blog that same evening yet the Holy Spirit led me in a different direction. After catching up on some lost sleep, spending time in prayer and reading my Bible...I have a new perspective today.

My desire in expanding on Monday's blog is to remind each of you about a priceless gift most are blessed with. The gift of sisterhood and brotherhood. 

I will not lie to you and say Heidi and I got along every minute of every day ~ we are sisters so you know this would be falsity. BUT I will say that she was more than my sister at the time of her kidnapping, she was my best friend. We had eighteen wonderful years together on this side of heaven and I pray for the time we are reunited yet I am not without opportunity of a sister's relationship. 

I have sisters(and brothers)-in-Christ ready, willing, able, and praying for me on a daily basis. A bond that can't be broken. As I watched my husband and his siblings unite and lean on each other during the past weeks I was reminded of how important this bond is. 

Your relationships with your brothers and sisters are priceless gifts! Do you take time to unwrap this gift? Do you acknowledge how unique and special each are to you and your life? Do you see the beauty and blessings they each have? 

A note to the only child: I grew up with an amazing sister in my life yet spend my adult life as an only child due to tragedy. As a parent of a teenager I am more conscious of the feelings my daughter, the only child shares with me. She and I are similar yet different. I have memories of a sister's bond and know what I lost. 

Mags can't experience a sister's bond with a biological sibling BUT thanks to Jesus' death on the cross, she has hope.  Even the only child has an opportunity to experience the blessing of a sibling's friendship and love...with her sisters and brothers-in-Christ. We are all family!

As you remove your shackles of grief, anger, resentment, or whatever trouble is wedged between you and your sibling...remember your brother(s) and sister(s) are PRICELESS GIFTS!! CHERISH THEM!

If you haven't talked with your sibling in awhile I both challenge and encourage you to contact them this week. Stop in to say "Hi" or maybe "I am sorry. Will you forgive me?" or "I forgive you" or send them a hand written note, call them, or email them. YOU might be all they are waiting for to have you in their life again.

What if tomorrow doesn't come...embrace your sibling as a priceless gift. I pray you unwrap the blessing God placed in your life.

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