Houseguests

"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak...Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." Romans 15:1,7

Wow! It's been awhile since I last posted. I suppose that could be because I have had two straight weeks of family visiting for spring break. I absolutely LOVE my family, but if two weeks in a row of houseguests is tough for the average person, imagine dealing with all those extra people when you have chronic illness. For one thing, my husband was out of town for the week immediately preceding Phase One of The Spring Break Visit of 2009. If you read my previous post, you know that week wasn't so great for me. I had hoped to have everything all cleaned and ready before my little sister flew in that weekend, but of course I never got to any of those things because of how ill I was. I've never been very good at letting go of things that need done around the house. I usually just push myself really hard to get them done. But lately, that has not been an option. So I had to swallow my pride and allow people to see life as it really is around here. And, amazingly, the people that love me are just happy to be with me, messy house and all.

In fact, while my family was here they cooked, cleaned, did laundry, vacuumed, and let me rest. I've never had people come to my house to visit and actually serve ME before. It really showed me that my family has begun to understand the burden I carry with my chronic illness. I don't have to put on a show for them and run myself ragged trying to entertain them. Just to be here with me is enough. That's love. That's acceptance. That is something I think every person dealing with chronic illness wants from those they care about. And I feel so blessed to have family like that.