There are times when all of us venture out into dangerous territory. I can reflect back on my life on those times with regret--wondering "WHAT WAS I THINKINGI' The important, life-saving factor was, I had a safe harbor to return to. Am I advocating launching out into perilous situations? Absolutely not. My focus is on the safe harbor. Our children, friends and even acquaintances who watch our lives, maybe even monitoring what we do and say--how we act and react--with skepticism are fully aware of what type of "harbor" we offer. Growing up, there were restrictions placed on me that I didn't always appreciate. However, the fact that my parents did offer discipline (in a kind and loving manner), kept me from participating in things that may have altered my life and hindered me from persuing an education, and committment to the important things in life. Was I a perfect child then, growing up? No, but I respected authority and followed the guidelines set before me by my parents and others in my life who taught by example. I was contained in a "safe harbor". I felt loved and safe at home. Yes, sometimes eager to "fly" and do things my own way, but nonetheless--SAFE.When I matured and was on my own, there were times I lingered and looked toward dangerous waters. The lure and fascination of the forbidden worked on me. The human heart still reacts the same as Eve did in the garden, after all. We are all the same. But how thankful I am for the safe harbor. When standards are set and marked for us by the wise mentors. Even if we don't follow their lead and venture beyond the safety and protection of what is right and good--we know there is a safe harbor.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
National Sibling Day
.Today is designated as "National Sibling Day". I'm not quite sure who picks and names these days. Interestingly, I've never heard of this particular day before. But, I'm delighted to observe it.
I've been blessed with six siblings. I also have a brother, the first born to our family that I've never met. He was a nine pound, full term baby boy that was still born. It's exciting to know that he's in that grandstand of Heaven--a part of the "great cloud of witnesses" that is cheering us on. I'm sure l'll know him when I see him. The Garlocks have a pretty distinctive look.
Today I am taking the time to honor my six siblings: David, Bill, Bob, Jonathan, June, and Marian. They have all been a huge part of my life. Our brothers and sisters are active participants in the shaping of who we are during our formative years.
I was the only girl for nine years of my life. Because of that--I was called, "The Queen of the House". This no doubt had an impact toward giving me a feeling of having a "secure" position in the famil. Reflecting on those years--I realize I willingly accepted my "throne" It's amusing to realize how, as a child, I aggressively assumed this leadership role--even though I was not the eldest. I can recall adults making comments such as: "Sharon has to have her nose in everything." It seems I kept my antennae up, like a Queen Bee, not wanting to miss out--even on the adult conversations.
My brother, David, who was 2 1/2 years older than me usually took his role as my protector and tutor seriously. forged the way for me in Kindergarten, high school, and college--I looked up to him and followed. We enjoyed acting lines from television shows--sometimes making up our own drama. This was usually while doing the dishes. Of course, there were times when we argued about whose turn it was to wash or dry--getting in serious debates about whether or not a fork was clean. When the conversation got too heated, our parents would intervene and we were trained to realize that it was time to put a quick end to our "discussion".
Growing up in a family of seven children gave little opportunity for boredom or feelings of loneliness. As the family grew, we all eagerly accepted a new baby to the mix. I do not recall ever feeling jealousy toward or from any of my siblings. This had to be the result of our parents' teaching, examples, and treatments of us individually and collectively. Neither do I recall any resentment toward the youngest--at any given time. If they were "babied" or given special privileges...I believe all of us joined in the "spoiling" without feelings of jealousy.
We all shared in chores, and took protective roles toward our younger brothers and sisters. Oh, yes, there were times when an argument between two of us would take an aggressive turn--but we usually knew where to draw the line. Our parents were strict disciplinarians and did not tolerate fighting among ourselves. As a result--to this day--although we do not agree completely on everything, we do not bicker and argue, now hold bitterness against one another. Basically, we were taught to love each other, and still do despite divergent social and/or political views.
Obviously our parents had a tremendous role in corraling their brood. They were brave souls. How they managed to feed, clothe and keep us in tow was a remarkable feat. They encouraged us in school and insisted we attend. They were forgiving when we messed up and always showed us unconditional love. They taught us the ways of God and prayed that we would follow and trust in Him.
As a result, we became successful professionals: A college professor with a doctorate degree; a passtor and school administrator with a master's degree; two entrepeneurs with successful businesses; two elementary school teachers with degrees; and a missionary/evangelist who takes aid to orphans world-wide. Thanks Mom and Dad, and thanks to my siblings. You've helped me be who I am --I love you and pray for you always!!!!
I've been blessed with six siblings. I also have a brother, the first born to our family that I've never met. He was a nine pound, full term baby boy that was still born. It's exciting to know that he's in that grandstand of Heaven--a part of the "great cloud of witnesses" that is cheering us on. I'm sure l'll know him when I see him. The Garlocks have a pretty distinctive look.
Today I am taking the time to honor my six siblings: David, Bill, Bob, Jonathan, June, and Marian. They have all been a huge part of my life. Our brothers and sisters are active participants in the shaping of who we are during our formative years.
I was the only girl for nine years of my life. Because of that--I was called, "The Queen of the House". This no doubt had an impact toward giving me a feeling of having a "secure" position in the famil. Reflecting on those years--I realize I willingly accepted my "throne" It's amusing to realize how, as a child, I aggressively assumed this leadership role--even though I was not the eldest. I can recall adults making comments such as: "Sharon has to have her nose in everything." It seems I kept my antennae up, like a Queen Bee, not wanting to miss out--even on the adult conversations.
My brother, David, who was 2 1/2 years older than me usually took his role as my protector and tutor seriously. forged the way for me in Kindergarten, high school, and college--I looked up to him and followed. We enjoyed acting lines from television shows--sometimes making up our own drama. This was usually while doing the dishes. Of course, there were times when we argued about whose turn it was to wash or dry--getting in serious debates about whether or not a fork was clean. When the conversation got too heated, our parents would intervene and we were trained to realize that it was time to put a quick end to our "discussion".
Growing up in a family of seven children gave little opportunity for boredom or feelings of loneliness. As the family grew, we all eagerly accepted a new baby to the mix. I do not recall ever feeling jealousy toward or from any of my siblings. This had to be the result of our parents' teaching, examples, and treatments of us individually and collectively. Neither do I recall any resentment toward the youngest--at any given time. If they were "babied" or given special privileges...I believe all of us joined in the "spoiling" without feelings of jealousy.
We all shared in chores, and took protective roles toward our younger brothers and sisters. Oh, yes, there were times when an argument between two of us would take an aggressive turn--but we usually knew where to draw the line. Our parents were strict disciplinarians and did not tolerate fighting among ourselves. As a result--to this day--although we do not agree completely on everything, we do not bicker and argue, now hold bitterness against one another. Basically, we were taught to love each other, and still do despite divergent social and/or political views.
Obviously our parents had a tremendous role in corraling their brood. They were brave souls. How they managed to feed, clothe and keep us in tow was a remarkable feat. They encouraged us in school and insisted we attend. They were forgiving when we messed up and always showed us unconditional love. They taught us the ways of God and prayed that we would follow and trust in Him.
As a result, we became successful professionals: A college professor with a doctorate degree; a passtor and school administrator with a master's degree; two entrepeneurs with successful businesses; two elementary school teachers with degrees; and a missionary/evangelist who takes aid to orphans world-wide. Thanks Mom and Dad, and thanks to my siblings. You've helped me be who I am --I love you and pray for you always!!!!
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