A Visit from Two.

A couple of weeks ago, Margo and I were graced with the presence of two amazing people.   

...yes, graced. 

The family was with the team in Corbin, KY doing a Thirst Conference. This was a blessing (thanks, Scheduling Dpt.) because that meant they were only three hours away! The plan was to meet the family  in Lexington (halfway point between Corbin and Louisville) and pick up Holly and Crista. They were going to come to school with Margo and I for a few days. 

And so they did. 

We had something sweet during those few days together. 

Whether it be 

watching Crista climb trees, 

making a tent in the rain, 

cleaning up our flooded room, 

sitting by a fire under the chilled blanket of a starry night,

listening to Josh Groban's "Noel",  

walking arm in arm as we talk about life honestly, openly, and transparently--as sisters should,

shedding tears and laughing a lot, 

being hilarious and ridiculous...

we were simply content and relieved to finally just be together.

 

 Life was still busy during this time though. It didn't stop. And to be honest, I didn't exactly either. Sometimes I can let busyness drown out the essentials. More often than not, the pursuit of busyness and the pursuit of faithfulness look very different. It's not the quantity of responsibility that matters but rather the quality of stewardship and faithfulness in how they are handled. I'm having to learn how to prioritize and be faithful in what I've been given now despite the consequences. 

But thankfully, the consequences of faithfulness are always blessings.  

I've realized that while the girls were here, I wasn't just a student, employee, friend, or even younger sister--I was a big sister too. I am a big sister. A big sister who needs to be intentional to nourish and shepherd the hearts of her younger siblings. It's so easy to be selfish. And no excuse affords such sin. 

It's important that I remember who God has called me to be, not just what He has called me to do.   

Living to the glory of God requires dying to self. 

Losing all of myself in all of God Himself. 

It's a humbling and selfless calling really. 

But nonetheless, the sweetest. 

I need much grace to learn how to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. 

How to love. 

How to give. 

How to serve. 

And indeed by God's grace, I am learning. 

In fact, life for us as sisters is being learned together. 

And I thank the Lord that I get to share it up close with them. 

These two beauties....gotta love 'em. I sure do! 

"...yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes."

James 4:14

"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."

Psalm 90:12