Okay…maybe that’s an over exaggeration of the current status of my life. My parents went on vacation, in Mexico, Wednesday at 3:45 a.m…and that’s when it began.
“I love my brothers…but I don’t have to like them!” a phrase that you sometimes can find coming out of my mouth. Things you might hear them say…”No one wants you here…You don’t know anything, mom and dad let us do it…I don’t want CHICKEN…NO!”. That paints the dark side of our relationship – aside from all the warm gooey laughter and love that we usually share. Having the responsibility of their care, in light of the recent difficulties we’ve had with both of them, left me aprhensive of my ability to corral their boyish tendencies.
As I pondered the many characteristics shared between the two of them and dogs, I thought “I bet they can smell fear too!”. So being bold was the approach I was going to take. It was going to be my way or the highway. Bear (age 17) started the week off whining about what was for dinner and reminding me of all of his social obligations and football games. Luke (age 11) required constant running around town to soccer, klife, school, etc. My mind was no longer on homework, schedules, or my own social events but meals, pick-ups, and bedtimes!
How did God grant me sanity before any stress hit me and where did these motherly instincts come from? We joked about how effecient and well off we could be if our parents never came home at all. We’re co-workers, friends, helpers, students, and siblings! An impossible feat? We think not!
I am thankful! I am thankful for the company of Luke every single night since my parents left. He gave a fresh take on simple things in my everydays, like Midnight Oil and Granitas! I am thankful for Bear’s good decisions and dependability. It built back the trust he had lost from me. I am thankful for safety and thankful for peace at our home! And our parents will be home tonight – I am SO thankful for that!
“For the sake of my BROTHERS and friends, I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’” – Psalm 122:8
1 Comment
Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at 4:42
Thanks Annie for doing a great job. Your brothers are so blessed to have you as their sister and their friend. And I am blessed to have you as my daughter and my friend. Today I was reminded in Bible Study just how much God treasures his children. It really overwhelmed me because I know how much I treasure you and Bear and Luke. Dad and I had a great time with our friends and we appreciate all you did so we could spend some quality time with them. Thanks for stepping in there and providing the “the smell of fear” for your brothers! I love you.