Here Comes Jane! (Again)

 

To be honest, today is a day I feel pretty ambivalent about. 

Today my sister, Jane comes to stay with Karen and I for the next six months. The other six months of the year, she stays with my other sister, Dorothy and her husband. We decided to share the responsibility when our parents passed away. Jane is 62, has downs syndrome, difficulty walking, needs help with a lot of self-care things, is not especially appreciative, and can be very stubborn.

I love Jane and sometimes she can be adorable, but it is still work to have her here. Our time is much more constrained as there are extra meals to be made, much more laundry, physical therapy to do, showers to give, doctors to see, etc., etc. Karen and I are no longer on our own, unencumbered. The whole atmosphere will be different.

In the big picture of course, it could be much more difficult. Jane has very few serious medical needs. She can feed herself and is generally content to be on her own. Still, life is about to change radically for the next six months. Again.

This was all first and in the forefront of my thoughts this morning as I began my usual Bible study. I am reading the New Testament in order and am in Timothy. I read a chapter each day and write down passages that resonate. This morning was Chapter 5 in Timothy. And here's a little gem that just happened to be there:

Timothy 5:8 - "But those who won't care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers."

Coincidence or God weighs in again!? They say the Word of God is a living document and and it keeps happening to me when I read. A little encouragement. A command. A goal. At just the right time. I mean, to the day! The Living Word indeed.

I've always feel that when Karen and I take care of Jane, we are doing God's work and will. I lean on Him in prayer to help me do this cheerfully and with patience and care, as He would want. I fail at that constantly. I mean, sometimes I do okay, but you would cringe if you saw how badly I fail sometimes too. 

But I'm sure He appreciates me trying!