I had one of those eye-opening experiences yesterday. You know the ones, where you suddenly realize that either you’ve changed or things around you have changed without you noticing. It happened while I was at church. I went through the meeting like I normally do – I bowed my head during the opening prayer and I sang along during the hymns. I listened to the first speaker as she talked about charity and how to serve other people. Then I enjoyed a piano solo played by a guy who seems to have more musical talent in his pinky then I will ever have in my entire body.
And then it happened. The last speaker got up to give her talk. She was poised, elegant and beautiful and I found myself captivated by her every word. She introduced herself and her family and I saw that she was witty and charming, telling jokes in the just the right places that drew laughs from the appreciative audience. Then she moved on to the heart of her topic. She spoke about how to live a charitable life and she suggested ways that we can be kind to others. I saw that she smiled as she spoke; there wasn’t a trace of nervousness or discomfort anywhere. She barely glanced at her notes and she maintained eye contact with the congregation.
I was completely mesmerized.
I realized then that my little sister had grown up. She’s always been mature beyond her years and has had a natural confidence and grace that instantly puts people at ease. I’ve always known this. But suddenly, I realized that she wasn’t a little girl any more. Yes, there’s a part of me that knows this already. I mean I was at her wedding and I saw her say her “I do’s.” So there’s a part of me that understands that she’s no longer the little kid that snuck into my bed at night because she didn’t want to sleep alone.
But suddenly I saw her how others must see her – as a self-assured, mature, confident woman. And while I’ve always been proud of her and recognized her accomplishments, it truly was an eye-opening experience. Gone is the little girl I once knew, and in her place is a beautiful woman whom I look up to.
And you know what else I realized? No matter how much she has grown up, she will always be my little sister who forever has a special place in my heart. And nothing could make me happier.
Still, this is a nice tribute to your little sister!
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