Yesterday was obviously the day before Thanksgiving. I was having a rather productive day. Everything was going well; until I was driving to the Chiropractor and listening to the radio. All the talk about Thanksgiving hit me all of the sudden and before I knew it, I was crying and thinking about how much I longed to see my brother and how long we had been apart. I came home and wrote an email to my best friend basically just complaining. I felt guilty about it so I started praying and asking the Lord to give me a grateful and joyful heart. It was time for dinner so I ran downstairs, got some drinks on the table, and started eating with my family. The phone rang during dinner and it was Chris. As soon as my dad handed me the phone I determined that I would not let him know that I was down. I ran upstairs to have a good talk with my bro. We only talked for about 30 seconds when he said, “Why don’t you come downstairs?” I felt myself getting agitated, “Chris, who are you talking to??” Click. Arg! I thought my phone battery had gone dead, so I reached for the phone on my desk and called him back. He answered…and then hung up. What was going on?? I just sat there, depressed, and looking at the phone when I heard from behind me, “I thought that I told you to come down stairs!” I turned in confusion to find my brother standing my doorway grinning in the way that, until that moment, I didn’t realize that I had missed so much. I don’t remember getting up, or running to him, or screaming…but it all happened. All I could do was cry as I held onto him.
Even writing a description of this makes me cry. I never used to be such an emotional mess! Good grief!
I have determined what I missed more than anything. It took some thought; I have finally reached a conclusion. More than anything, I miss the way that his very life, example, and love for the Lord causes me to reach higher, expect more from myself, and gives me a purer love for those around me. Going away has changed him. He is more discipled, more personable, more enjoyable to spend time with, and more thoughtful…he is my hero now more than ever.
This Thanksgiving I am thankful that God has taken Chris away, and allowed him to come back to me for a time. God is so good. Why He has chosen me, saved me, loved me, guided me, and put me in this family…I will never know. His mercy endures. Praise His name!
4 comments:
I sooo wanted to see your expression! I almost broke down reading your blog. That is so sweet!!
Becca-boo, you still can because the fun was all caught on tape :)
It sure is nice having him back, he's such an encouragement to everyone.
hehe this sounds familiar!!! haha...i've never been so shocked as when chase surprised us and flew home. when i saw him, my mouth dropped and he was like standing there but i started walking away, backwards. i was like in comlete and utter shock. i really did NOT believe he was standing right there...THEN i screamed and ran to hug him! :)
i'm so glad your big bro was able to come home!! what a blessing. you guys have an awesome time together!!! luv ya!!!
Allison, you have no idea how hard it was for me to keep it a secret. I was so happy for you. This is what happens when we give things (and people)to the Lord. That is something that just when I think I "have it down" I always seem to return to my old ways.
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