Growing up can be fun

Yesterday was a very important day for my family. My youngest sister, Rebecca, turned eight and recieved her first communion. On the same day. A little chaotic for our family, but boy, the celebration was well worth it.

I couldn't help but think of a mini-bride when I saw Becky walk out in her dress and veil. I have often found myself comparing first communion to a wedding day. I told Becky that she was getting married the day she recieved Jesus into her body- so why not dress like it?

Lizzy, Becky, Stephanie and me. Doesn't Rebecca just look

like a little bride? Jesus is waiting for us at the alter, not only

on the "wedding day" (first communion) but every day.

Becky was the last of the Andersen clan to have this special day. All of us older kids were feeling awful nostalgic, thinking about how our own days of recieving the sacraments. I know this is wrapping up the childhood days- Rebecca is youngest. Pretty soon all the toys will be cleared out, and she'll be more concerned about her hair and clothing than playing with dolls. Mom and Dad only have a few years left with kids at home- Two more will be out by the end of this summer, and I'm starting college in the fall. Wow. My house will seem pretty empty soon.

Thankfully for us, we have close friends/relatives who have younger kids. The Andersen household may not have anymore little ones running around, but I know some folks who do. And they sure wouldn't mind my inviting myself over to play with their kids.

For example, my cousin April's twins (whom I talked about in my last post) are going to be growing up and causing trouble. Those girls are so cute and cuddly, it just makes your heart melt. The Andersen girls are always ready to speed over to the Burris house in time of need and take care of the cutey twins. In fact, just this morning, my mom, sisters and I watched the two babies so the Burris family could go to the oldest daughter's first communion. It was great fun... and great exercise. Sometimes it takes quite a bit of bouncing (or dancing) to make them happy!

Me (holding Hope) and Lizzy (holding Clare).

Today we fed, burped, changed diapers, bounced,

and soothed tears. Good preparation for motherhood

if you ask me!

A good friend of mine once said, "Childhood was great, but I can't imagine that it was greater than being a teenager." What strikes me in his statement is that our lives should just get better and better as we get older. God calls us to move forward in our lives, whether we like it or not. So even though I feel nostalgic about getting older and becoming an adult, I realize that God is calling me to new adventures in my life. Adventures like ministering to my twin baby cousins, who will grow into young women of God by example. Adventures like loving my siblings where they're at without judging them, even if they make mistakes on their journeys. Adventures like being a friend to the hurting and suffering who need help and comfort.

As I look at my list of adventures, I realize I am already living it. Jesus has already started my ministry. He has equipped me. He has called me. And He's waiting to call me deeper into His Heart. I'm ready to look ahead to the future with excitement.

"There are far, far better things ahead, than any we leave behind." CS Lewis