By Amanda Silvey (20)
Second oldest of seven children 

The time we spend investing in the lives of our brothers and sisters is so important. Our younger siblings look up to us and, many times, we don’t realize how much they watch us. We can have a great impact through our example that we show them.

It’s very easy, especially with our younger siblings, to always be pointing out their faults. However this doesn’t help, but only hurts our relationship. We should rather seek to be building them up with words of encouragement and be patient with them (even after they’ve bothered us for the hundredth time). There’ve been many times that I have not been patient and I got frustrated and responded in anger. When I feel this way, I try to get alone and pray, asking the Lord to change my attitude. What we say and how we say it are so important. When we praise our siblings or tell them ‘great job!’ when they’ve completed a task, this will encourage them and brighten up their day.

Another way to encourage your siblings is to let the younger ones help you in things that you do. I’ve come to realize the importance of this and have seen the impact it can give. I’m somewhat of a perfectionist when it comes to baking in the kitchen, and it is sometimes hard for me to let my younger siblings help. I’d think ‘They’ll mess up everything’ or ‘she won’t know how to do it right…it’d just be easier if I did it myself.’ I’ve come to see that it’s okay if the pancake batter is a little lumpy or you have an extra mess to clean up – the memories you’ll make are worth far more than having everything ‘just so’.

Here are some things that I enjoy doing with my siblings:

• Teach them how to play an instrument. Last year I started to teach my three younger siblings how to play the piano. It has been such a rewarding experience and I’ve enjoyed watching how fast they learn! My youngest sister purchased a violin recently and she has picked up on it very quickly as well as the others. In the morning, we have a time where we practice our instruments and we enjoy getting together and playing duets and other songs together.
• On a nice day, take a blanket outside and have a picnic or just enjoy relaxing together. My two younger sisters love doing this and sometimes we’ll take out a book to read or something we’re working on.
• Make a dessert together. Some days when Dad and my brothers have been out working hard, we girls will surprise them by making a dessert for dinner that night. The boys especially like that.

Last of all, I want to encourage you to follow Jesus’ example that He patterned for us in how He humbled Himself in serving others:

“…just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,
and to give His life a ransom for many.”
{Matthew 20:28}

If we seek to do this we will be unified in our family and bring glory to God in our relationships. May the Lord richly bless you as you seek to invest in the lives of your siblings! ♥

“Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded
one toward another according to Christ Jesus: that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God,
even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
{Romans 15:5,6}

_________________________________________ This month, KBR is hosting an “Encourage Your Siblings Challenge.” Throughout April, we are posting one article each week by big sisters, who will share encouragement and ideas for how to bless the younger siblings in our lives. We would love to hear your ideas as well – feel free to comment. Feel free to tell your friends about this challenge and encourage them to join you as you “Encourage Your Siblings”! _________________________________________

This Month’s Desktop Wallpaper