By Hope Schmidt (19)

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without,
redeeming the time.”
{Colossians 4:5}

I have eight younger siblings, from Joy, who is two years younger than myself and my closest confident, to five energetic brothers; sensitive, five-year-old Liberty; and the baby, Grace, who is almost two.

I love them all, and wouldn’t trade my place in my family for any other position, but I also enjoy writing lists of things to do and then getting everything done. Only with so many younger siblings it is rare to get even a straight half hour of quiet without someone wanting help, wanting to tell me something, wanting to show me a picture…. Sometimes I would help my younger siblings, trying to sound cheerful even as frustration at the interruption mounted internally. More often I would, in a kind voice, tell them I was working and couldn’t come right then.

I knew my attitude was selfish, and I tried to do better and not to get irritated at interruptions, but I felt I was missing something important; that I should be doing more when it came to my younger brothers and sisters…doing more of something.

Then one day we heard a story. In it, the main characters’ world is drastically altered, and one girl mentions the fact that everything she has worked for up until then has vanished into a future that could never come to pass.

That got me thinking. If I lost all earthly possessions, what would still matter? What could I spend time on that would never be lost or destroyed? One answer stood out bold in my mind. The time I invested in my siblings and family; my relationship with them. Those minutes and hours could have eternal value as few other things could.

This is only one circumstance in a series of events which steadily rooted conviction into my soul. I began to realize my siblings were far too important to ignore in favor of my own activities. The time I invest and spend with them each day will build relationships and character that will last long after I forget how long it took me to finish me list or whether I got my book finished or not.

I am not perfect by a long stretch, but I’ve learn much in the past few months and am discovering new ways to spend time with my siblings. The four youngest siblings love to help me in the kitchen, so I make it a point of inviting one of them to help me bake. They dictate stories for me to write down or sometimes I look up pictures for them.

Then there is all of the little things. Looking at the picture my brother colored, listening to the excited but long description of a new game someone has discovered, or letting Liberty sit on my lap during Bible time instead of knitting.

Spending time with our siblings does take time, but it is time that will never be wasted. We only have twenty-four hours each day. Let’s make sure we invest our time in what really matters. ♥

_________________________________________ 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”! _________________________________________

 

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