SIBLING RIVALRY?
Does this ring a bell?
I remember one humid morning in the 80’s I was getting ready for school. It was especially humid, so I remembered needing EXTRA hairspray. So, as I reached for my own, it squirted 2-3 baby squirts indicating I was out. Well, growing up with sisters, I KNEW where I could find some. I also knew my sister would tell me no if I asked her, so I skipped asking her because I NEEDED a YES! So, when she was out of the room, I grabbed her aquanet and went to town on my 80’s hair. I was now feeling confident. So as I strutted down the hallway as I was confronted by my sister with a pink can in her hand asking “ Did you use my hairspray” (in a very harsh, scary and all knowing the answer tone”. What could a little sister do but LIE. I confidently said, “NO”. Milliseconds later I feel fingers ruining through my 80’hair do!
She tousled it with anger.
Why did she do this?
How could she be so mean? She walked away, stating, next time “ASK”!
I was so upset and couldn’t believe what she did.
I would love to call my sister mean and hateful, but I know she is not. I was being selfish. I wanted what I wanted, and I didn’t want to risk the NO. But I overstepped a boundary. Some may argue, It was just hairspray and yes, you are right but it was hers and asking for permission would have provided me a 50/50 chance of getting me the answer I was hoping for. I know for sure, had I asked I would not end up with a “messed up birds’ nest on my head”.
So, yes, sibling rivalry exists. I hear every day that sisters, friends and co-workers harbor anger, hate, jealousy, competition, and some have not spoken to one another in years. Beware of this, there are always 2 sides, 2 perspectives and 2 ways of coming to a compromise. You may feel you are right, and you just might be, but she feels the same way.
How to we bridge the gap?
- Prayer
- Honesty
- Forgiveness
This doesn’t’ mean you agree but it means that those who know more, more is required. I often hear “I don’t sweat the small stuff”, “I don’t care” “You do you” but in reality that’s not true. Instead of sibling rivalry resort to sibling love.
From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask even more. Luke 12:48
Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21
Silent Sister