Emily

This is my little sister. I love my little sister. My little sister and I love to fight. We're very good at it. I think for both of us, it's out of pride that we continue to fight, constantly trying to get the upper hand. Often our words become hurtful and far too honed for a simple joke. We both know that the future will be more peaceful between us. We know this because we understand it is childish and stupid to carry on as we are now. My sister knows I love her. I know my sister loves me. I'm more protective of her than she could ever understand. Our relationship reminds me of my relationship with Christ. Obviously Christ does not return my hurtful statements with hurtful quips of His own, but my heart is much the same. I love Christ, and I enjoy loving Him openly for others to see. However, life doesn't always take the turns I want it to take. I blame this on Him. I don't blame Him directly. If I fail my pre-calculus test I don't stand on my desk, shake my fist towards heaven, and yell "This is Your fault!" It's much more subtle; if life's direction is unsatisfactory, I stray from Christ. It's what I'm comfortable with. If I was more comfortable with being openly affectionate to my sister, I would never treat her the way I often do. If I was more comfortable drawing near to Jesus when life got rough, I would never stray from Him. The problem with this, however, is humanity's natural inclination toward the wrong. Of course I'm more comfortable living in pride and animosity! Of course I'm more comfortable living apart from Christ when the going gets tough. I am only human. This is what's expected of me.

It's a good thing Christ is not human, at least not only human. Christ loves us. Christ is love. What does that mean? Christ is the epitome, the perfect and most recognizable symbol, of love. He became flesh, led a sinless life, and died literally an excruciating death. Why? To love us. When my sister fights with me I am unable to love her in the way Christ loves us at all times. My sister and I have moments of such love, of sacrificial love, but they are not long lasting. When I fight at Christ, He responds in love. As a human, I cannot comprehend this. I look forward to the day where I will understand how He loves us. In 1 Corinthians 13, towards the end of the chapter, Paul says "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." He speaks of love and knowledge. When I enter into heaven, I will see love. I will see Love. Until that day, however, I'll be practicing on my little sister.

"My Love"
From Christ to me. From Christ to us.

My love, I cannot walk away.
With you I will forever stay
And by your side I shall remain
Through darkest night and coldest rain.

At times you may not see me here
But, darling, please, you shouldn't fear
For by our God we have been paired;
Our hearts so close our blood is shared.

My child, from me never run;
Our love is stronger than the sun,
But if you stray, return to me;
I want you for eternity.

Oh beautiful you do not know
For I destroy the status quo,
Love, for your life, I've given mine
Upon that cross, beneath that sign.

Don't let the angelic postures and cute smile fool you, this little one can easily send me sprawling. As she danced across the backyard I locked off my Nikon D70 to my tripod and clicked my ultra-telescopic lens into place, so as not to place myself in a dangerous position near the beautiful little monster. It's not often I'm able to look at my little sister for long periods of time; on this occasion I was able. I saw into her past and peeked into her future. I remembered the crazy little baby that would chomp on my rear-end as I sat and watched television and I saw a powerful little lady living out her dreams, unhindered by the foolish males(like her brother) that surrounded her. I focused on that face three times, and three times I pressed on that little silver button. The sound of the shutter alerted her to my presence so I quickly stood and ran.