Siblings and New Year's Resolution

My brother came by today and had coffee. We have been living in the same area for about 2 years now. When my siblings first came my way, I thought it was a blessing. It wasn't long before I was really wondering if being this close to family was a good thing. We had a lot of up and down moments, lots of clashes of ideology and personality. There were many days when I was reminded to be careful what you ask God for!

However, now that we have had the opportunity to really get to know each other: our strengths and weaknesses, we are learning to live with each other and complement each other. We are becoming more open to listening to each other and to respond positively....all because God has been so at work in our lives-accomplishing the same end through different means: Conforming us into Christ's image...which admittedly will not happen here on earth, but with God's molding, we will get closer.

We both made a resolve, independently of each other, to focus on the positive, to accept our siblings for who they are and love them...keeping the bridges open. Him and I come from an abusive, destructive childhood that left deep scars in our lives. It impacted all of our siblings, manifesting itself in different ways. In our discussions today, we came to the conclusion that we won't get over it, but we can come to terms with it, and doing so will allow us to extend grace to everyone else. No one really understands another person until they walk a mile in their shoes, maybe that is why God says to not walk one but two. We made a date-to try and get together for coffee once a week. This Friday, I am going to go see my sister for no other reason then to spend some time with her. That is how relationships are built: time, effort, sharing of hearts and ideas, acceptance of our difference, and loving anyway. Off to a good start on this New Year's Resolution. Lord, grace, give us grace in our words, in our actions, and as an outpouring of your grace towards us.