I was doing some reading tonight. I came across a story that reminded me of my cousin Robyn. Robyn is a beautiful woman, both inside and out. She has a very loving and giving spirit.
Her mother, my aunt, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She has good days and bad. It became apparent several years ago that it was no longer a good idea for my aunt to live alone. She came to live with Robyn. Robyn is a busy woman. She is a loving wife, mother and “Meme” to an adorable little boy. She also works a job.
Within the last year her husband’s parents came to live with them too. She opened her heart and her home and welcomed them in. She is an amazing woman. One of my heroes, in fact.
Here is the story that inspired me to write about my cousin. It is taken from one simple act Discovering the Power of Generosity
We hear many warm stories of selfless care giving, but the truth is, it can be a tough, scary task. We know God calls us to care for others, but the reality is so…well, so daily. Sometimes it’s messy. And sometimes our beloved patient doesn’t know us or even becomes angry or stubborn when we are trying to help. It’s not easy, but if we are seeking to live in a spirit of generosity, that spirit needs to extend to the helpless.
The Bible is far from silent about care giving. If it’s our parents who need the care, there’s this commandment” “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord you God is giving you” (Exdos 20:12). Most people think the verse pertains to young children obeying their parents–and it does–but read it again. It seems to me that honoring also means caring for them.
If you have any doubts, listen to the words of Paul: “Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. Give the people these instructions, too, so that no one may be open to blame. If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5 3 -8).
This pretty much sums up my cousin.