My sister-in-law, Kari Beth, is more than family to me. She’s my friend.
Before she and I married brothers, we shared a suite in our freshman dorm. It was totally arranged by God that we would be suitemates because we had actually met as little girls through a mutual friend who had moved from Kari Beth’s hometown to mine. So, when her dark ponytail bounced through our bathroom door to say hello on a blazing hot August day ten years ago, I knew that this was someone meant to be in my life.
Since then, we’ve shared pizza together in a trailer, books on the beach, and stood by each other’s side as we married two amazing guys. She’s been there for me, and I’ve tried my hardest to be there for her even though we’ve lived in two different cities for the past six years. Because that’s what you do – show up and support each other – for family and for friends.
Now that we both live in the same town, we get to see each other at least once a week at family dinners. Our twins and their son are a year apart and I love that our kids will grow up not just as distant cousins, but close friends.
Last week, she and her husband found out that their second child is going to be a girl. She is due this summer and I am so excited that her little girl and our little boy (who was born right before Valentine’s Day!) will be so close in age. I can’t wait to host a baby shower for her after the sweet shower she gave for our little guy.
Since we are both moms, I am so thankful to have a sister-in-law and friend to confide in about motherhood. Having a little boy is a brand new experience for me and I am grateful for not only her hand-me-down clothes but her hand-me-down advice.
I know how rare it is to have a family member that started out as a friend first. I too often take her friendship for granted and don’t always treat it like the gift that it truly is. We have known each other before we shared the same last name and I want to always remember that we started out as friends and have become family.
I’m sure many of you reading this have your own stories about your sister-in-laws. Some of you might have an incredible bond and others might start to perspire at the mention of her name. I don’t know what your relationship is like but might I suggest trying to be her friend?
Why you might ask?
Because friendships make families grow closer.
Sometimes we view our family relationships as obligations, requirements, something we have to do at least twice a year. But, y’all, families can be so much more than that. When family members are friends, fun memories can be shared.
Sure, friendships don’t mean that everything is always rosy and everyone always gets along but when you commit to being someone’s friend you commit to trying. Trying to share life together; the good and the bad. Don’t we all want someone to try for us?
Without KB trying to be my friend and I hers; we’d just be two people sitting across the dinner table each Tuesday. But, because we are friends and family, we are more than an obligation to one another; we truly care about each other.
I know taking the first step towards friendship with a family member can be extremely scary, even difficult. But it can also be incredibly rewarding and make family time so much more enjoyable. Pray for direction, conversation, and patience. Take baby steps in becoming friends or making your friendship even closer than it is right now. The point is to try.
Because when you try to be someone’s friend, most often they will want to try back.
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REGISTER NOW for the
2014 M.O.M. Conference ~ BETTER TOGETHER
July 31st – August 2nd,
Jacksonville, Florida at Trinity Baptist Church
Registration Information, Location, List of Breakout Sessions, Descriptions of Workshops, Conference Speaking Team, Better Together Conference Flyer, Better Together Bulletin Insert (Full Color), Better Together Bulletin Insert (Black & White), Better Together Conference Cards (Postcard Size)
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