Brothers and Sisters
This weekend I got into a pretty heated argument with my sister. I don’t even remember what it was about, but the subject is irrelevant. We both said some hurtful things. I love my sister and we hardly ever fight, but I don’t know what got into us this weekend. We parted ways without making up.
Later yesterday, as I was sitting in Mass, I began to think about the relationship between brothers and sisters. It dawned on me that as the older brother, I’m suppossed to be patient and forgiving, not mean and spiteful. I think that everyone has a duty to his or her family, and that duty comes from God. We may at times fight over petty differences, but we are supposed to be charitable and loving to everyone, especially family. I did not feel very good about myself once I had this revelation.
As the priest was holding up the Holy Eucharist, I almost cried. I begged for forgiveness. I had never felt so low than I did at that moment, and I’ve done some bad things. I found peace and called my sister and apologized. She forgave me and apologized as well. The thing that struck me was that when I apologized, she said, “Thanks. That means so much coming from you.” I never realized that my opinion of her meant so much to her.
If you have siblings, be patient. Do not make the mistake that I made and attack them when they expect trust and understanding. I thank God for openening my eyes and heart to my relationship with my entire family.
