I was on the phone the other day with my brother. We don’t talk much, haven’t much, until the last couple of years, when I realized my family is really important to me and I want us to be closer.
I taunted him as an older sister growing up – calling him names like, “stupid, selfish, jerk,” etc. The typical sibling stuff (or I assume it was!). I would dig my nails into him so hard out of anger that he’d bleed (who knew I use to have long nails and I could be so violent?).
He and I are polar opposites in many ways – he loves the computer and spending his time and work there, I love being outside moving and engaging with others. Both are valuable. I use to judge him for that – that he should be similar to me, he should get outside more, he should be different than he is. That judgment kept us apart. Go figure…
So we were on the phone last week talking about our businesses – he works for himself as well through the internet. He shared with me his taxes owed, a financial downturn in his business, and a hernia he is mending. I felt for him.
The next thing he says is, “Did you get the book I sent you?”
“No, not yet. I haven’t been home in a couple of weeks.” I replied with a tug at my heart.
He said, “I think you’ll like it. It’s written by this Scottish woman who loves nature and she writes about her connection with nature. I thought you’d like it since you love being outside so much.”
I replied, “That’s so sweet of you, especially when you’re struggling financially right now, to send me a gift.”
He said in response, “It’s the times when we’re most in need when it’s most important to give.”
I paused for a moment and picked my jaw up off the floor. My brother just said one of the most profound spiritual teachings of all time – and one I needed to hear and be reminded of as I can hold on tight when things are tight.
My brother is sooooo awesome!
And the book – it’s fantastic.
Sometimes the closest people in your life have the most important message for you when you least expect it. They are your teachers. If you only look to the “guru’s,” you’re missing out on at least half of your learning and growing.
Who is your teacher today? Is it your child, your mom, your partner, your sibling, your co-worker?
It doesn’t take far to look to find one.
Each person has the ability to point you where you’re heart is closed, guarded, or limited. Each person is a gift to help you see where you can be more of who you truly are.
Thanks to my brother for being my teacher last week and every week. I’m grateful to have you in my life!
Categories: Conflict & Forgiveness, Heart Centered Living