Just Jesus

Years ago I went through the process of becoming the guardian for our (at the time) 18-year old son. Joey (now 33) 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 and talk to him about guardianship and get the process in progress. 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 didn’t seem to suffer from any spiritual challenges!

When meeting with our lawyer to finalize the details, and 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?” 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?

Photo by Sira Anamwong via Free Digital Photos

For more information on guardianship:

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

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Cindi Ferrini

Joe and Cindi have been married since 1979, have 3 grown children, grandchildren, and enjoy speaking together on topics of marriage, parenting (including special needs), leadership, and time and life management. They have written articles and blogs for Focus on the Family, FamilyLife, Family Matters, and others. Together they authored: Unexpected Journey - When Special Needs Change our Course. Cindi has written time management and organizational materials as well. They LOVE what they GET to do....

Latest posts by Cindi Ferrini (see all)

• “I LOVE Your Joey Stories!” - February 19, 2018
• Do you WONDER? - January 15, 2018
• Just Us - December 18, 2017