I grew up being told to lead my younger siblings and set a good example for them, but it's hard to do that when you're the oldest and you're just trying to figure out everything else for yourself. So instead, my little sister set an example for me. Here's a list of eight wise reminders from my little sister:
1. Patience is a virtue
I see it in her art, I see it in her relationship with her friends, I see it in her love for Christ. It amazes me every day.
2. Complaining isn't going to get you anywhere
I remember complaining to my dad over winter break about how I didn't want to eat outside because it was rainy and humid, and I didn't want to ruin my hair. My sister immediately shut me up by saying, "Sofi, stop complaining, it's not going to do you any good." It left me speechless.
3. Boys should be the very least of your worries
I was boy crazy at her age, and I was already wanting to date. Now every time I ask her if she has a crush on any boy, she shrugs and doesn't care to talk about it.
4. You can never be too picky
I'll ask her, "do you like anybody?" She'll reply, "No, I just think one boy is cute, but I don't really like him." "Why not?" "He's not nerdy enough." This is excellent. My sister's type is based on the personality of my brother; he's intelligent, funny, respectful, devoted, disciplined and he loves Jesus. My sister looks up to my brother so much that she's decided that's the standard her future husband must meet. She reminds me to never lower my standards and to never forget that my dad is my hero, and he has already set the bar very high for me as well in terms of picking my future husband.
5. Kindness is contagious
My little sister is the kindest person you will ever meet, and she will surprise you. At her age, I had already gotten in a lot of ugly fights with my friends and had gotten myself involved in drama. My sister avoids those situations at all costs, she chooses only to be kind and be loving to others.
6. Communication is vital
Every time we do something that involves sitting down (road trips, movie night, talking in the kitchen) and someone or everyone is on their phone, she will call us out and tell us to pay attention.
7. Creativity is intelligence having fun
The ideas that my little sister comes up with are astounding. She makes DIY body products, she does lemonade stands in our neighborhood and donates the money she makes to charity, she does art projects just for fun, she can dress like any character she wants just by using the clothes she already has, and she actually has so much fun doing school projects.
8. Your relationship with God is the most important thing
This is what blows me away the most. As a pre-teen, living at an age where digital and social media have a great influence on society, her relationship with God stands as the very foundation of her entire being. She reminds me to always have faith, always trust and never lose hope.
It's beautiful to see someone so young be so wise. Maybe we ought to take advice from our younger siblings more often.
