Again I ask the question, what do people do without good siblings?? I have been thinking about each of you individually for the past couple days. I have been thinking about and praying for Lizzy up in Laramie, making the best of an often lonely situation. I have been wondering how on earth Amanda keeps it all together with her demanding schedule. I have been humbled by Sarah's constant and tireless efforts to serve and help the people she loves and those she barely knows. I've been thinking about and praying for Jessy, half way around the world in a non Christian country during Christmas. I've been watching Matt and his struggle for truth in all areas of his life and his dedication to becoming his best self. And even though we don't get to have our heart to hearts as often as we used to, I just want you all to know something. You provide me with strength and motivation just by knowing you. In those moments when I want to just collapse onto the floor and start throwing a tantrum because something is hard or it's not going how I'd like it to go, I think of you guys. I think of how much I love you and how much you love me.
So I thought I'd send this thought out into the world tonight... When you are lonely or discouraged or hurt in some way, just know that you have a family who loves you no matter what. You have people, wonderful people, in your corner who believe in you and want what's best for you. And I'm convinced that it's not only family on this side of the veil. We have family as our angels, I'm sure of it. They love us like Grandma Rosie loves us and they are in our corner. Their strength and love is real. Lean on them, like you would lean on me or any of your other siblings if we lived under the same roof.
I am convinced that there is more relief, more direction, more comfort, and more love in our corner than we ever take advantage of. Be still... Listen to your heart... Know that you are priceless. Families are forever and it is worth it. Merry Christmas to my favorite people!
Ah, you are such a wonderful part of our family. You are so loving, understanding, and your advice is always sound. Thank you so much for being an amazing example of motherhood and a good friend! I feel the same way about all of our siblings and I sometimes wonder, "What would Emily/Liz/Amanda/Matt/Jess do in this situation?" I take comfort knowing my siblings are such wonderful people, and it lifts me up to try to be more spiritual, loving, patient, and kind. It's a good question: I don't know what people do without siblings!
ReplyDeleteLiz and I were talking the other night about my long-lived dream of all of us living on the same block so all our kids can grow up together, and so I would have my sisters there to lean on all the time. I realized the other night that my dream will probably never come true. Not only will we not live on the same block, but possibly separated by many miles and state lines. Then it occurred to me: Why would Heavenly Father hide six amazing spirits from the rest of the world??? Of course he's not going to let me keep them all to myself! There is so much good to be done and so much work to do in building the kingdom! So, again, why would he hide six of his choicest spirits from the world, only for them to help eachother? I fear he wouldn't. But, that's why this blog and other means of communication are so important for us. It helps us lift eachother as though we lived around the corner.
Thank you for your love, Emily. I usually shed a little tear from your posts because they are so eloquent and spiritual. I LOVE YOU!!!
I'm going to echo Sarah, Emmy: you sure are something else. I don't think you even comprehend how much you are admired and loved by your siblings--especially me. (hehe)
ReplyDeleteThanks for lifting all of us to greater heights. I will take your advise and remember to take more advantage of the built-in support system I have!
I love you guys! More and more each day I am amazed with the spirits that followed mine into this world - it's like you 5 were held back in reserve for great and special things, a "chosen generation" if you will, and I can't help but feel like an old pioneer that paved the way. :) haha ha ha ha. Sorry, it was funny for me to think about.
ReplyDeleteOn a more sober note, you three especially have influenced a big decision that I/we came to last night - I am going to postpone taking the bar exam. It's all still fresh, and I'll be able to flesh out details in a future post, but I've had a course-correction and a life-changing experience yesterday that I'm still trying to sort through. But the peace of the spirit is undeniable, and I will withdraw my application. So...I'll be posting soon!