Just

Years ago I went through the process of becoming the guardian for our (at the time) 18-year old son. Joey (now 32) has a number of physical, mental, and health challenges that will require him to be cared for all of his life. Someone from Probate Court came to our home with papers for Joey to sign, talk to him about guardianship, and get the process started. In front of this woman and Joey, I explained to him what it meant. I explained that I wanted to become his guardian and that meant that I wanted to be the one to take care of him. (Joe, my husband/his dad also takes great care of him, but I serve as guardian.) I asked him if he wanted me to be his guardian and he said, “Yes.”  I then asked him if there was anyone else he would want to take care of him besides me. I expected him to say Daddy or Grandma or one of his sisters or aunts. But, he very quickly and to the point said, “Just Jesus.” While he may have some challenges, he doesn’t seem to suffer from any spiritual challenges! When meeting with our lawyer to finalize the details, he showed me that Joey’s words were written in the court document – seen by the magistrate, other lawyers, file clerks, and others working on this case. He asked me, “May I have your permission to share Joey’s story and words with others?” I answered with a hearty “yes!” I believe Joey is sharing the gospel like we never imagined he would.

“And He called a child to Himself and stood him in their midst, and said, ‘Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.’” (Matthew 18: 2-3)

  I “just” wish I understood the simple trust and humility of such childlike faith.  

• As a parent, care-giver, guardian, can you “just” trust Jesus in such a simple and decisive way?

• How might you trust and depend on Him today in a new way?

  For more information on guardianship: http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2012/10/16/when-your-child-turns-18-a-guide-to-special-needs-guardianship/