I recently had the privilege of spending the weekend with four of the most amazing women I know, my lovely momma, my two gorgeous aunts, and my soul-sister cousin. I have know these women since I was a twinkle in my daddy's eye, and every time I see them they get more and more beautiful. When I laugh and love with them I am at home.
I also happened to be at a wedding surrounded by 26 year old knock-outs, which of course caused a bit of insecurity about my mom-of- three body. However, as the days progressed something magical happened.
As we talked I couldn't help but think about what it means to get older, to have the days suddenly seem like they are drifting away. I know I am only 37, but every year seems to get a little shorter. Its so trite, yet so true, I swear I was seventeen yesterday. Life keeps moving whether I like it or not, but I thought about the legacy I hope to leave behind, I realized I have been given some pretty amazing teachers.
I still remember what it was like to be my own children's age and to hear the sisters laughing in the next room. I can see my Aunt Debbie paint her small but cozy house, glowing in a tube top and shorts so she could to soak in the sun. I remember sitting in my Aunt Sherry's attic room, reading Raggedy Anne as she tucked me in for the night. I can hardly forget the hours I spent with my cousin Ashley, playing Barbies, dressing up in Grandma's heels, talking about the latest crushes. I know these happened years ago, but if I shut my eyes, there I am.
So, when I see them today, I am transported to those times of what it felt like to be surrounded by such a magnitude of love. They showed me what it meant to be a woman, and the examples they gave were full of wisdom and grace.
I learned that like my Aunt Debbie, I could remain positive and trust God, even when my circumstances seem out of control. She has shown me that strength does not come from a hard shell, but is a steadfast resilience in the face of trials.
My aunt Sherry taught me what it means to have a childlike love for humanity. She has never wavered in her desire to make this wold a better place, and to put action behind her words. She defined what it means to work hard for what you believe to be true, but more importantly to enjoy the life we have so graciously been gifted.
My Ashley... she has taught me that being a woman is about learning and growing, and following your heart. Spending time with her reminds me that life is about LIVING, it is about seeing the beauty in every moment and not taking the time we have for granted. She has shown what it means to love Jesus, not because of religion, but because of his great love for us.
And my mom, she has exemplified living out loud, to be wholly present in the moment and to be proud of who I am. She has passion in all she does, from her work as a teacher to her love for animals. She pushes me to question and seek truth at all costs.I remembered this weekend that being a woman is not about the package, it is about the heart and soul of who we are. I realized that I have spent so many years working on the package, that I have neglected to see the beauty in who I am. I have had the gift of growing up surrounded by beauty and love that is heart- deep. Because these women have poured themselves into loving me, I am more than a shell. To think otherwise is to take for granted the lives that they have carried out and the paths they have carved for this generation. My body is not me, I am the culmination of a sisterhood that will last for all eternity.
“Women are going to form a chain, a greater sisterhood than the world has ever known.”
