My People
My purpose for this blog is very personal. I want it to be a tool for self-examination and self-improvement in regards to priorities and relationships. It is intended to be used as my personal “mental posts” which may enable me to better concentrate on the most essential issue of my life: The Golden Rule and as it applies to my people. I have decided that my people must have priority. My way of interacting with them may not only define my eternal destiny, but may also positively or negatively influence my people’s destiny. I believe that "treating your neighbor as I would like to be treated" is a mandate not just for my short life-span on earth, but also for an eternity beyond. I believe in the voice of the one who said: "Whatsoever you have or have not done to one of the least of these my people, you did or did not do for me".
Who then are My People?
First of all, my people are the ones I share my home with. There are three adult persons who regularly sleep and eat here: My husband Jim, my older son Peter and I. I am a "Certified Family Home Provider”, because I have an adult person in my family who is developmentally disabled and unable to take care of himself, my son Peter. I have the responsibility to provide for his needs inside and outside of our home. While I must adhere to the various rules for the home that the state regulates and requires, I also have to negotiate with various agencies about appropriate work and developmental services for Peter. Every once in a while my younger son Jason shows up to spend the night and/or eat a meal. My older daughter Sara lives in town, and my younger daughter Anna lives in Arizona. I am not including the names of my grandchildren here, because I am not primarily responsible for them, however, they have a very special place in my heart and life also. The rest of my close family members live in Switzerland. In as much as I have direct contact with these my people they must be my main priority and responsibility.
Did I fulfill my duty today?
I was working out this morning, when my younger son Jason approached and asked, if I would iron his shirt. I hesitantly said: "I could". After going through a check list of questions in my mind (is it necessary?--should he do it himself?—am I spoiling him?—have I failed to teach him?--), I went to the iron board and did it. I knew that my son had stayed up late last night to submit an assignment due before midnight and that he hardly had a minute to spare before heading out the door. My hypothesis is:
Who then are My People?
First of all, my people are the ones I share my home with. There are three adult persons who regularly sleep and eat here: My husband Jim, my older son Peter and I. I am a "Certified Family Home Provider”, because I have an adult person in my family who is developmentally disabled and unable to take care of himself, my son Peter. I have the responsibility to provide for his needs inside and outside of our home. While I must adhere to the various rules for the home that the state regulates and requires, I also have to negotiate with various agencies about appropriate work and developmental services for Peter. Every once in a while my younger son Jason shows up to spend the night and/or eat a meal. My older daughter Sara lives in town, and my younger daughter Anna lives in Arizona. I am not including the names of my grandchildren here, because I am not primarily responsible for them, however, they have a very special place in my heart and life also. The rest of my close family members live in Switzerland. In as much as I have direct contact with these my people they must be my main priority and responsibility.
Did I fulfill my duty today?
I was working out this morning, when my younger son Jason approached and asked, if I would iron his shirt. I hesitantly said: "I could". After going through a check list of questions in my mind (is it necessary?--should he do it himself?—am I spoiling him?—have I failed to teach him?--), I went to the iron board and did it. I knew that my son had stayed up late last night to submit an assignment due before midnight and that he hardly had a minute to spare before heading out the door. My hypothesis is:
My people may not ask for a service, unless they do not have the time or capability to do it themselves.
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