Do you ever feel like that? Guilty for having so much to be thankful for? I do. Often.
While I couldn't invite all the wet, cold and homeless to our house, I was able to invite my sister. Her family lives in an area where wide-spread power outages left her home cold and dark. This lead to the cold little hands and noses of her three baby boys, 18-month old twins and a 4-month old infant.
When I heard, I called and invited her to stay with us. While my offer was completely genuine, I wasn't sure she'd be up for making the 5 hour drive to our house with her three little ones. I'm wasn't sure I would have been. But this sister of mine is brave. And she came.
For four days, our home cradled six children. When my other sister came over to visit, the tally was nine. My kids loved being the big ones and enjoyed mothering instead of being mothered for once. Sam played trucks and blocks with the twins. Sadie lulled the baby to sleep and Miriam sang him the most lovely rendition of This Little Light of Mine as well as a Miriam-original or two. I got to spend quality time with my far-away sister and walk her baby to sleep daily. And gaze into little nephew faces, hold little hands and feed little mouths.
Again, I feel guilty for being thankful. Guilty that through the damage and loss of life came good...for me and mine.
And so today, I find myself even thankful for the guilt I feel as my heart goes out to all those in the world who are hard-pressed to experience joy. Instead of letting that guilt drag us down into doubt, let it lead us to pray for those in need.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will
of God in Christ Jesus for you."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
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A beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteLovely.
ReplyDeleteOh, dear Jane, your guilt should be assuaged by the opening of your heart and home to your sister and her little babes. By that alone, you did so much more than most of us did to help those devastated by Hurricane Sandy.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post my friend! What a blessing that you are all safe and that you had the chance to extend hospitality to your sisters and their children. The LORD is Good. Always. Yes, we must pray and be willing to put action to those prayers as we are able. Thank you for this update on how Sandy impacted you.
ReplyDeleteWith Love,
Camille
I know exactly how you feel. When I was writing about our freezer worries from the storm I kept thinking about all of the people in New York and New Jersey who have much bigger problems. I try to be thankful every day, and to help in the ways I can. I'm so glad you were able to have them with you. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you sharing your life and your good heart with us -- a wonderful inspiration. pam
ReplyDeleteExcellent post! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletethis little sister is also thankful for your invitation to a warm home, arms to rock the baby, great food, even better conversations, and a chance for our far away kids to get to know each other a bit better! much love!
ReplyDeleteHappy to read your family is healthy and surviving the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. It's a tragic event, but it's good to know you and your family were able to come together in light of this.
ReplyDelete