As I sit here today reflecting on "new beginnings" and "start overs" my heart smiles. My life has been full of ups and downs, some my fault and some the result of others actions. With GODS grace and love, each time I have began anew continuing to put one foot in front of the other!
Last weekend, I journeyed to South Carolina for my aunts funeral. My cousin Jennifer and her husband, Travis graciously allowed me to stay with them. The second and third night my sister, Courtney joined us. Each night I ran out of steam before Courtney and Jen and went to bed. I laid awake and listened to them giggle and laugh. It reminded me of listening to Courtney and our younger sister Dayna giggle and laugh. Dayna was tragically killed in a car accident in 1989 and each of us miss her very much. I do not weep for her, because I know she is in a place with no earthly sorrow. However, there are days when I weep for "me!" I miss her giggles and her great big smile!
I am much older than Jennifer even though we are first cousins. Recently, I realized GOD has given me the blessing of being the "Big Sister" again. Occasionally, I get a call or text that says something like, "What do you think about this? or that?" and I am honored to take each of those calls. My heart smiles as I see GOD giving me a chance to be a significant part of Jennifer's life. I love her dearly, as I do all of my cousins. I am blessed beyond words can express to be a part of Jennifer's life! Thank you, Jenn for loving this "old" cousin and thank you for being you!
By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,
Andrea
39 comments:
There's no feeling that compares to realizing that we are a blessing in our relationships, no matter what ups and downs we face. I am praying that this new season will bring you closer than close.
To love and trust a family member is a wonderful thing. The thistle-and-butterfly image is beautiful.
Blessings.
You are an amazing person.
I'm so glad you came to visit my blog.
You have a great week as well.
xo,
Rosemary
We all need one another. Hugs!
Are not relationships wonderful? How I look forward to seeing a cousin, an old friend or even a new friend. It's so much fun to laugh, giggle and just have fun together! Have a wonderful week!
With GODS grace and love, each time I have began anew continuing to put one foot in front of the other!
hmmmmmmm...how perfect this was for me right now since I begin a new journey in my life....((hugs))And thank you SO much dear sister for your prayers...your a blessing to me.
It is wonderful to be needed!!
You are a blessing. :)
Thanks for sharing this 'new beginning' tailor-made just for you! I know the Lord is smiling down on you as He sees how you've stepped up to the role of 'Big Sister' in your cousin's life! Enjoy His blessings!
In response to your comment over @ Life Lessons: So good to see you! Thanks for your encouraging words. Looking forward to stopping by your blog this week! God bless!
Tears have welled up and your understanding of being left behind is touching.
I could just picture you laying there listening to the talk and giggles. It reminds me of my own family.
I also love what you said, that you don't weep for your sister, but sometimes you weep for yourself. I still weep for the loss of my parents. THEY aren't sad, but sometimes I still am.
What a good blessing, to be looked up to as the cousin who listens and understands.
We all love to be needed! It's always inspiring to visit you Andrea.
I love you dearest Andrea...you can be one of my big sisters any time if you want even though I am older than you are. You carry great wisdom and such a loving heart...you always make me smile my friend...always.
{{{PEACE}}}
Alleluiabelle
First of all I'm sorry about your aunt but I always find it amazing how God uses these moments to open new doors for us. It is truly awesome.
Love Di ♥
Family is priceless. So sorry about your aunt..but so happy that you are the "big sister" again. That is a special title
So sorry to hear of the loss of your aunt. The story about your sister is so sweet. You will always miss her...but one day you'll be together again. Carla
So sorry to hear you lost your sister. How awful. I'm so glad you have the comfort of knowing she's in heaven. Yes, cousins are such a blessing!
Andrea,
What a gift you have been given. The Lord knows your heart and it would seem that HE has given you both this relationship which is fulfilling both of you in ways that will bring glory to HIM and no doubt bless one another!! You have such a sweet and tender heart and I have no doubt whatsoever that Jenn is praising the LORD for the gift of YOU!!! ♥
Love you!!
What precious memories you're making, even admidst a time of grief. Thank you for sharing.
Hi sister! I'm glad you had a wonderful time with your family despite going through a loss together. It's nice when family is close, and love unites you all. God bless you and keep you. Take care sister and keeping you in prayers.
What an amazing blessing to that feeling of being a big sister again! I can imagine Jennifer feels blessed to have you as well! :-)
Jennifer is a wise gal to bond with you and ask for your opinions. I can imagine the Godly wisdom you impart for you are a Titus woman!
Sorry about the loss of your Aunt. I recently attended, and performed, a funeral for an old friend. Sad feelings.
But, good you got to reconnect with other family members. I did the same.
HOpe your Thanksgiving was a blessed one. wb
Time with family is always healing.
Praying for your well-being.
Amen to new beginnings...
Blessings,
Tammy
Amen Andrea! Amen!
How wonderful that in the face of tragedy, God shows His blessings. Sometimes I long to be that 'big sister' - so I understand the joy you find in those relationships.
Hugs and blessings and peace to you my friend.
Deb
I am sorry for the losses you have endured and give praise to your testimony of finding a new beginning.♥ Dee
I am so glad you had this moment:) Another memory to tuck away.
Wonderful message! God's hand is truly in all things.
Blessings!
Melanie
That was just a beautiful post. I'm so glad that you have your Jennifer to help guide.
New beginnings can be scary, but they can be wonderful, too. I hope this new relationship will continue for a very long time. Blessings!
So nice to hear from you again, Andrea. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving, and a God-filled Christmas to follow...
May God continue to bless your "goings out and your comings in", your endings and beginnings...from this time forth and forever!
Grace be with you.
Let us go on to what belongs to full growth.
I am sorry to hear about your aunt. What a wonderful relationship you have with Jennifer and your other cousins. xo
How fortunate are you to not only be surrounded by love and laughter BUT to fully understand how blessed you are and to have such a deep love for God's gifts. Beautiful post!
xx
Hello, friend! This post blesses me tremendously. I am so sorry about your sister, your faith shines in your joy at her arrival. I pray for you faithfully. I hope you are feeling better these days and your Advent season has been blessed thus far.
Thank you Andrea!!
Blessings to you as well.
Happy Holidays!
Rosemary
So sorry to hear of your Aunt's passing....it makes me miss my departed sister even more. You are right, we weep not for them, but for ourselves because we miss them!
Hugs,
Margaret B
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