What Even is “Poor in Spirit?” | Matthew 5:3
September 16, 2023
What does “Blessed are the poor in spirit” really mean?
My boys think that I love their girl cousins more than I love them. I understand why. I will drop everything to help out with them. I give them way too many gifts. The stacks of presents under our tree this year were really uneven I admit. But it’s not because I love them more.
I imagine that I how I feel about my nieces is like how I will feel about my future grandchildren. Currently I have 4 nieces, 2 cousins, and 3 little girls that could be my nieces. They are fun to buy for. I have boys for Pete’s sake. I can only get so excited about Legos, Pokemon, Madden games, plaid shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, and various athletic apparel. I have always said that there is only so much you can do with clothes for boys. Their options are limited. Especially if they are traditional males, and mine are. I mean a button down shirt is a button down shirt no matter the fabric or pattern.
I have so much untapped knowledge of make up and skincare. I tie a fantastic bow. I can French braid pretty well for someone that doesn’t get any practice. So this year was fun to buy a caboodle (!!!) and fill it with lip gloss and eyeshadow and nail polish. To search out little Stella McCartney and Gucci dresses on The RealReal. To find the best costume bling for little fingers, necks, and wrists. (It’s Super Smalls, FYI.)
But this week skiing with Jim’s sister and her girls, I have discovered it’s more than all that fun stuff. It is easier to be with a 3 and 5 year old because I have already been with a 3 and 5 year old. I am comfortable with whatever they might throw at me…I think at least. Glad they can’t read this and take it as a challenge. Pretty sure Kitsy would relish the idea and rise to the occasion.
It’s also nice to be able to come along side my sis/bro-in-law and help with hats and gloves and boots and tights. It is so sweet for someone else’s child to want a night night hug from you. I have said that I want to be the favorite Aunt to both sides of the family, and I do, but it’s not because I want to be liked best. It’s because I want to be part of their lives. To know them well. To be fun. To be comforting. To give the moms and dads a break and have them be comfortable with my care of their children.
I have said before how important I think community is. This is part of that. The trust that is involved. And the fun that can be had. I wore entirely too much jewelry to dinner last night, but Purdy picked it out and there was no way I was going to tell her no.
