I was heartbroken that EFY didn’t work out this year. I am still not completely over it. But now as I end my spring at home and begin my summer back at BYU, I think I can see why the Lord had me come home for this short season.
My sister and I haven’t been close for the last couple years. She wears awesome thrift store dresses; I wear T-shirts and jeans. She listens to 80s records and underground bands; I love the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. She devours the works of Henry David Thoreau and Kurt Vonnegut, while I am content read “Little Women” over and over and over again. Yup, we've definitely had our differences.
I am amazed at how much my sister has sacrificed for me. Whenever we’d drive together, instead of putting in her iPod like she did a couple years ago, she would let me pick the soundtrack. When I bought tickets to the midnight premiere of Toy Story 3, she agreed to go along with us even though all her friends were planning to go as well. When she could have been working or playing with her friends she took time off to spend time with me and the rest of her family. Some of her friends are annoyed that she hasn’t been with them as much, but I hope she finds comfort knowing that her sacrifice brings tears to my eyes. She has grown and matured so much; I am proud of the young woman she has become and look forward to watch her continue to grow into a woman of God.
If I had had my way, I would have spent this spring doing fabulous things to serve other youth, leading inspiring devotionals, being a good example, changing the kids’ lives. But Heavenly Father knew that at this moment, the youth I needed to serve was my dear sister.
How grateful I am for the Lord's influence in my life that has brought me to this beautiful relationship with my sister!
Our most important and powerful assignments are in the family. They are important because the family has the opportunity at the start of a child’s life to put feet firmly on the path home. Parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents, aunts and uncles are made more powerful guides and rescuers by the bonds of love that are the very nature of a family. - Henry B. Eyring
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That was a beautiful post, Tasha. I have found that as we get older, it's our families that we cling too. They are our forever friends :) I was like you...and not close with my sisters until a few years ago. Now they are my best friends and I rely on their wisdom and strength when I can't do it on my own. I'm glad you had the time you did to spend time with your sister--and I'm sure you will only get closer as the years go on. Keep being great Tasha. I love reading your posts. They always give me so much hope :)
ReplyDelete(and...I had similar feelings about EFY. My patriarchal blessing states a similar line, and I always thought it pointed to EFY. It's funny how things change when other things come into place)
that is so cool that you and your sister have come to be closer. my younger sister is a lot like your younger sister, the underground bands and thrift store dresses and all. i hope someday me and her come to be closer.
ReplyDeleteHey nice post :)
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say that your blog is really awesome, I'm not sure quite how I came across it, but I'm glad I did. It's really interesting to learn about the Church as I come from the UK where we don't hear very much about it.
:)
This is very well put. I am so excited for all your adventures together at BYU! I feel comfort knowing you will be a support to each other. Good for you both! Great job.
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