My sister Lillian

Making silly faces before going out for the night at Oxford

Lillian is only 4 minutes older than me, but she still likes to give me big-sister life advice. Sometimes I resent it, like the time when she said out of the blue, "We have got to figure out something to do about your hair." But the truth is, she is almost always right (but don't tell her I said so!).

She is in Spain and I am in London but we had a long conversation about the subject of my last blog post. In our relationship, I am the dreamer, the idealist, the thinker. Lillian is the one who knocks some sense into me, and sisters are sisters even over Skype.

"I feel like I have to choose between greatness and happiness," I told her.

Here is what she said:

"This choice is all in your head. Have some FAITH. God gave you your talents, he's not gonna smidgen them out of you."
"Don't be so egotistical to think you must sacrifice all on the altar of greatness. like, whoa, even Socrates had kids." [that made me laugh]
"and also, God considers the sparrows, don't you think he'll provide for you?"
"Consider the lilies in the effing field!" [that also made me laugh]
"Be great now. Here. With the gifts you have. I mean, I don't see any kids yet! And believe me happiness will follow a woman wrapped up in God's plan for her."

Lillian is like my mental vitamins, keeping my common sense strong. The girl's got a point. Maybe I really *don't* need to choose between greatness and happiness. Maybe I really can have it all.

That is what my sister does for me. That is why I love her.

Happy Thursday, The Book Girl