Sisters, especially big sisters, are God-given gifts. I may be a little biased, but I'm completely confident I got the best big sister ever. Here are 11 reasons why we all need and appreciate our big sisters:
1. A built-in best friend
My sister and I weren't always close. I think everyone goes through different stages of closeness with their siblings, and being 4 years apart definitely had its rough patches. Yet as I grew older, I began to understand more and cherish the gift of a sister. No matter where you find yourself in life, a big sister is always there. Whether 5 miles away or 5 hours away, I still know my big sister is there for a laugh, a prayer, or a word of advice.
2. A role-model
Ever since I was old enough to remember, I've looked up to my sister an insane amount. I wanted to look like her, be like her, and accomplish the things she did. As I got older, I began wanting to have the heart for Jesus she has, her patience, and the beautiful way she can laugh so easily. Having someone you can look to who lives a life after the Lord is a blessing.
3. Someone who is just as weird as you
When my sister and I get together, we laugh...a LOT. We have similar laughs that are a little on the loud side and make us laugh even more. We all know the amount of inside jokes with a big sister are too numerous to count, and I can always count on her laughing at every weird thing I find myself doing, and vice versa.
4. There's always honesty
My big sister is opinionated, just like me. Whether she's telling me my outfit doesn't match or that I need to dial down on the sass, I can always count on her giving me a healthy dose of loving honesty.
5. Boy talk
Admit it, you all knew this one was coming. I always felt a little bit of pride when my sister chose to trust a little piece of her love life with me over pillow talk when she was in high school. Now, I know I can count on her to give me her honest opinion on whatever boy I have my eye on, and remind me of what I deserve.
6. Double the clothes, double the closet
My sister and I are both under 5'3 and for the most part do pretty well sharing clothes and jewelry. I could always count on her walking in to my room to ask what necklaces I have that would complete her outfit, and me digging through her closet to find an old prom dress or pair of heels to borrow in high school.
7. She fills you in on the grown up stuff
Growing up, my parents always told more to my two older siblings. Not to mention being the third child, I always ended up missing part of the information puzzle. Sometimes my sister would be kind enough to let me know what's really going on in the grown up world of bills and family get togethers.
8. She's the one you copy
My sister can vouch for the fact that I went through a childhood stage of copying everything she said, and how annoying it was. As I got older I began to pride myself in her hand me downs and old high school sweatshirts. I was proud to have the same jersey number as her playing soccer in middle school, and wanted my hair to resemble hers almost perfectly. Not to mention the added bonus of having all her old high school binders for those terrible finals and papers.
9. Carrying on the last name's reputation
My sister was a soccer stud in high school. Being the dancer of the family, I always had to answer "no" to the questions of whether or not I would play, and struggle to explain that I promise you, the soccer gene skipped a kid. Regardless of how I acted, I was always proud of being known as her little sister and always delighted in the fact that I knew all the drama from her grade, too.
10. The inevitable maid of honor
My sister got married last Spring and I was overjoyed to stand next to her on her big day. This doesn't always happen, sometimes big sisters have best friends who fill the spot better, but I couldn't have been prouder to have been picked for the job. Ever since I was little, I knew she'd be my maid of honor and I'll even admit to the fact that I've already dreamed up the dresses.
11. She takes the first test run for adulting
Having a big sister means you have someone that makes it through high school before you, goes to college first, and dates first. Meaning she gives you all the life hacks/tips and you get to learn from her mistakes. You know which professors to avoid, what boys to stay away from, and how to avoid the mean girls in high school.
Having a big sister is one of the greatest blessings, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. No matter how old we get, our countless laughs and memories will be with us forever. Let your big sis know you love her today, she deserves it.
