Yes, yes… I know – it’s my birthday – but today is also my big sister Marie’s birthday!

No, we are not twins. I was born eleven years to the day after my eldest sister, and have enjoyed every year of sharing our special day together.  And it’s amazing, how much alike – and different – we are.

We’re both strong – opinionated women with a love for good debate and critical thinking. We are extroverts who love and are energized by other people. We are both (or were both) blue-eyed blonds with very similar facial features. We both love learning and challenging our minds, and we are both from the “smart line” …don’t even ask!

Yet there are probably as many differences as similarities between us, especially when it comes to politics and faith. But I am ever so grateful that my sweet big sister has taught me what it means to love – without judgement – no matter how different our beliefs may be. And couldn’t we all use a bit more of that in this world today?

If there is one thing that the “Schmidt Family” is really good at, it is choosing to love – no matter what our differences. In this family of seven siblings (6 girls and 1 boy) we span just about every political, religious and social divide. Yet I am so proud of – and grateful for – the love, the commitment, and the “for you” attitude that each of us has for the other!

And isn’t that exactly what Jesus taught… and lived?

He didn’t walk away or avoid those who were different from him. He ate with tax collectors, a group of people hated by most Jews because of how they extorted money from the poor and innocent to line their own pockets. He talked and shared a drink with a Samaritan woman; taboo on two fronts – Jews never associated with Samaritans and men never associated with women – yet Jesus broke both of those social norms. And Jesus gave a women caught in sexual sin dignity and forgiveness when he said to her accusers, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” (John 8:7)

My family lives out what Jesus taught in so many ways – love, forgiveness, acceptance.

So today Marie, on our Birthday, I want to say thank you! I am so grateful for the example you gave and continue to give all of us.

Thank you for sharing your birthday with me, even when I was an obnoxious kid and wanted to take all the attention on our day!

Thank you for being an example to me from a very young age. I always wanted to be like you: smart – beautiful – outspoken – fun – committed to a cause – stubbornly enjoying every day of life – devoted to family – and so much more!

Thank you for loving me when I was in a dark and scary place – for opening your home to me when I was in the throes of divorce.

Thank you for loving and respecting me even though our beliefs are very different.

Thank you for enjoying a good “theological debate” and for being willing to read and talk about everything I write – from my JoyNews Newsletters, to my Joy in the Battle book, to my poetry – everything!

Thank you for being YOU! 

Happy Birthday Big Sister! Here’s to sharing many-many more!

Is anyone else celebrating today? We’d love to hear about it! Click the Comments link at the top of the page to share your thoughts and celebrations with us.

Many Blessings to you all today!

Mary