Showing posts with label Journey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Journey. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Just What My Big Idea Is...



Just so that there isn't anyone confused about my big idea...

My topic will be dealing with the issue of brothers and sisters.  You know, why we can't get along, what the Bible has to say about sibling relationships, what the answers are to problems in the home, how we can actually like our siblings, all the trouble little brothers and sisters cause...

Oops.  Okay, all the trouble that oldests can cause too.

I know that there is already a tremendous book out there on the market, but because we can't have too much material on the subject (especially from different perspectives, and I have a good one with seven siblings)—and there isn't much to choose from anyway—I have been urged and propelled forward by my parents with a "go ahead" sign.  Or rather, "go ahead" words.  Anyway, there you have it.  My big idea.  Pretty big indeed.  So far things are looking good, but how can I say that when I know how critical I am of my own writings?  Well, okay, going good in the aspect that at least I'm finding things to write about.

On a serious note, I have determined to make this journey (let's call it a quest) one that will transform my relationships with my siblings.  I'm tired of the sub-par standard of just trying to get along.  It isn't enough any more, and it hasn't satisfied through the years.  As I grow older I see the damage I have caused in the lives of my siblings, and I don't want to live with the regret that I didn't fix the problem when I had a chance.  What are oldest sisters for (or brothers for that matter)?  So this book is a really a test of myself: do I have enough courage and fortitude to admit when I'm wrong, correct my mistakes, and press on toward making my siblings my best friends—truly?  For I genuinely want to be their best friend, and they to be mine.  But there are many bitter roots to weed out first.  Mostly from the deeds that I have done, because, after all, I am the oldest siblings who is the example (once I hated my mom constantly telling me that I was the example to the rest of my siblings, but just as it can be used for bad, it can definitely be used for good).

Pray for me as I write.  Pray for me as I attempt and resolve and conquer the obstacles before me.  I want to be able to persevere at the end of this book and say with all honestly, "My siblings are my best friends."  Of course, I may have many good outside friends, but I want my siblings to be my best friends.  Forever and ever.  Just like Anne and Diana in Anne of Green Gables.  They were inseparable.  They did everything together.  They shared secrets, passions, pursuits, hopes, dreams, ideals, expectations and thoughts for the future, fears, likes and dislikes, and spent all of their time together, from when they were little girls until they grew up.  Though they had other friends, they were the best of bosom friends.  That is how I want my siblings and I to be.

Just a summary so you don't leave my blog with a perplexed look.  Then again, you still might.  At least I tried.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

A Big Idea

What does one have to do to achieve a big idea, perhaps a long-awaited dream that can almost—almost—be tasted?  It is hard work, lots of prayer, and a resolution to be whatever you want to be (Stonewall Jackson).

So I have resolved.

Once I resolve I don't give up.  Even if it means a very long period of time.  Weeks. Months. Even years.  But I don't think it will be that long.

Due to a recent thrust from my supportive parents, I have begun another journey.  This one also entails tears, hard work, lots of prayer, support, encouragement, but is in fact a different category.

It entails days upon days of writing.  Experience.  Questions.  Answers.  Searching.  Siblings.  Scripture.  Stacks of books.  A cluttered desk.  Throbbing temples.  Aching hand.  Weary eyes.  Hopeful heart.  Excited dreams.  Prayer and Thanksgiving.

But for what?

I have been greatly disturbed and saddened by an overwhelming amount of brothers and sisters who do not get along...Quite frankly, there just isn't enough material out there in the Christian, and more particularly, the Reformed worldview...That is why, with lots of prayer and support from my family, I begin this project: the quest for a happy, peaceful, flourishing, harmonizing, free-from-antagonism-but-not-completely-perfect home...more specifically, sibling friendship.

"I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me." -Isaiah 6:8

There is plenty of fiction out in the world—most of it being junk—but I, as a Reformed young woman wanting to advance the kingdom of Christ and glorify Him in everything I do (man's chief end), realize that there is more to life than fantasy and make-believe.  Something more important.  What about "real life"?  What about the problems we face, particularly in our crumbling homes and families?  What about leaving a legacy to my seven siblings, my own children, and other families in the years to come?  Will I not want to leave behind me a vision for future generations?  What about the generation here and now?  Everyone wants their life to count for something, to have a purpose to everything they do.  For the Christian this means to glorify God (1 Cor.10:31) and bring every thought captive to His Word (2 Cor.10:3-5).

 My writing desk
Even writing a book.

Surely I've given enough hints for you to know what my big idea is by now...