Sister, Sister...

“Sister. She is your mirror, shining back at you with a world of possibilities. She is your witness, who sees you at your worst and best, and loves you anyway. She is your partner in crime, your midnight companion, someone who knows when you are smiling, even in the dark. She is your teacher, your defense attorney, your personal press agent, even your shrink.” –Barbara Alpert

Whenever April 28^th rolls around, I always feel like it's my birthday, actually. Kristen is one of my life’s greatest gifts. As I contemplated what picture I should dig up for the customary Birthday Post- this one came to mind…and no joke, I had to dig 10 years back into the recesses of my yahoo.com account.

What makes this picture so funny, crazy, special… is that it wholly reminds me of Kristen, metaphorically speaking. I had just given an epidurally-blessed birth to Owen and was relishing in the ‘Thank the Lord he is finally OUT!’ stage. You have no idea. My elation, obvious, however, what you do NOT see in this picture, is my mouth full of metal braces. Kristen went home, photo-shopped the picture, replacing metal joints and wires for pearly whites, digitally framed it (hello 2006), and sent it back to me. And that is exactly what her love does to those around her- it frames us, and reminds us of where we are going, not where we are, it points us to who we are becoming, and not who we currently are.

It could be easy to assume that her life is #blessed…she still looks like a 22 year old fitness model, has four beautiful girls, a devoted & hilarious husband, a closet full of all the things, a degree, a job, lives in paradise, etc… But, truly, it’s the hidden places of her life where all the magic happens.

Excepting her kitchen floors, Kristen is not afraid of the mess. She has loved people, really messy people, in a way that has required laying her life down. Seriously- if y’all only knew how true this statement was. Moment of silence. She is devoted to her family- she is such a loving and strong Mamma. She does all of the amazing and impossible things that mamma's do, and her babies are becoming strong, confident and generous Little Women.

She is equally devoted to her friends. She shows up when it counts. I have leaned on her strength, prayers, faith, and encouragement countless times and in countless ways- especially the last few years. Like- 'I know you are busy but I need to you listen while I cry it out and then tell me its all going to be okay'. And she then listens well, and then says the things, and then I actually believe it all is going to be okay.

She doesn’t just talk the Gospel talk- she walks it. She doesn't slap cliche' on suffering, but finds Christ inside of it. She forgives others when she would rather not, she extends grace, when it’s just plain easier not to, she confess, and repents, and allows her life to be transformed. She deeply loves and trusts in Jesus, and lives an ‘I am Second' life. And all of those around her see this, and know this, and experience the benefits of her love.

She obsessively watches The Voice, plays Christmas Music in mid-October, cooks a mean Turkey, keeps Red Bull in business, can eat a caramel apple like Mr. Peepers from SNL (a reference you probably shouldn't google), lives for Fall candles and open windows, and manages to keep life as fun and as memorable as a rich life should be. 

So, for all of the ways you have made me laugh this year, the ways you have pulled me out of my head, and for your friendship, words of life, and truth- I love you, Sissy. Happy Birthday.