I’m the oldest of four—same mom, same dad, but very different kids! Music sums it up well…

My senior year of high school I sang a solo in the Fairview talent show (Pops Festival). I wore a long flowing peach dress that shimmered ever so slightly in the spot light. A harp accompanied as I sang the Barbara Streisand ballad, My Heart Belongs to Me…it was beautiful…

Two years later one of my sisters also sang a solo in Pops Festival. Laura is amazing. We fought like cats but in many ways I envied her. When Laura hit the stage she lit up the theater singing, Hit Me with Your Best Shot! The hot pink pantsuit and the back-up rock band made the performance complete…no one could’ve done it better!

The next year my brother found himself on the Pops Festival stage…I guess it runs in the family! He stood in the spot light, acoustic guitar in hand and crooned a country song called, Rio Grande Railroad…I’m sure that more than a few teenage hearts melted!

Three siblings with three very different styles—don’t you love God’s creativity? I can’t forget my youngest sister who pursued cheerleading rather than singing and is absolutely the funniest person I know! I’d take her over Rosie or Joy Behar any day…and I wouldn’t have to cover my kid’s ears!

It’s true that differences can spark conflict, (one of our babysitters went home in tears after spending several horrific hours with me and my siblings…not a proud moment) but differences also make life together rich with blessings and fun! Enjoy the differences in your children. Cultivate their unique gifts and talents.  Help them discover how to use those abilities to help others and honor their Creator.  Along the way, teach them to appreciate one another and encourage them to be each other’s greatest cheerleaders.