Great Expectations

     There are few things I anticipate more than seeing those dress blues twice a year. My brother Kenton has been in the Marines for around four years now, and I am one incredibly proud sister. Growing up, and still to this day, Kenton and I have never been extremely close. In fact, sometimes I struggle to find the right words to begin conversations with him. The ease that I feel with my other siblings I rarely feel when I am with him. And yet, as the years go on, I cannot help but love Kenton more and more.

     Our lives are so vastly different. I want so badly for Kenton to share in my faith with me, to feel God the way I do, to love Him and give his life for Him. But that is MY journey at this present moment, not his. I am learning, slowly but surely, to let go of the expectations I have for my family, and see the beauty that they exude RIGHT NOW. They are incredible.

     Tonight I sat on my bed chatting with Kyle, another of my older brothers. Since I graduated high school, Kyle and I have stayed close. He is my protector, who I seek for advice, and my prayer partner for our beautiful Goddaughter. Kyle was talking to me about giving, about keeping an eye out for those who are struggling. He told me tonight that Kenton is always the one to leave a big tip when the waitress looks exhausted. Kenton will go inside gas stations and pay for the man's gas at the pump behind his car when he sees that the man is not well off. I was dumbfounded.

     We grew up with little. My mom worked three jobs to provide for us, but we never had excess. And yet, I am amazed at how inclined we all are to give what little we do have. Tonight, for the first time in my life, I was able to see Jesus in my brother. Little random acts of kindness that my eyes have been closed to, as I selfishly pushed my dreams on him. My heart's desires for my family are not bad ones. In fact, they are simply to get them to Heaven and to see them live fulfilled lives. However, my wants were getting in the way of seeing the souls of the very people I love the most. Tonight I saw a glimpse of Heaven at home.

Closing thought for tonight: What if our expectations for someone else hinder us from seeing the good they have in their hearts? Everyone has potential, but God loves them where they are RIGHT NOW. And so should we.