"I am calling you to live joyfully in the midst of your struggles.
You yearn for a freer, more independent way of life than you're currently experiencing.
You pray fervently--and then wait hopefully for the changes you desire.
When I don't answer your prayers according to your will, you sometimes get discouraged.
It's easy for you to feel as if you're doing something wrong--
as if you're missing out on what is best for you.
When you think that way, you are forgetting a most important truth:
That I am Sovereign.
I am in control, and
I am taking care of you."
This past weekend was very stressful for us. As most of you know, we take care of my 93 year old mother in law on the weekends, and she is getting progressively more fragile, dependent and extremely needy. My time is consumed with caring for her needs, and by the end of the weekend I am pretty well exhausted. I was so much so this past weekend that I am still feeling the effects on my body and in my spirit. Those of you who have cared for elderly loved ones can relate. Our whole family is affected by this in a negative way, and we know that some changes are going to have to be made soon. But we are reluctant to take those steps, and I find myself praying that God will intervene for her and on our behalf...and be merciful for His children's sake. I know God understands my heart in this, and I don't believe He thinks badly of me for having these feelings. But He wants me to trust Him to do what is best for all concerned.
This is part of the reason I believe I was directed to choose the word "REST" for my "One Word" for 2017. Not only is it for a spiritual resting in Christ, but also for a physical rest...which actually coincides with the spiritual. Because when our physical bodies need rest, our spirit usually needs rest as well.
Today I was uplifted and blessed to be a part of our monthly gathering of our "Lovely Ladies of the Lord" group. After we meet for a time of prayer, Bible study and sharing our concerns and joys, we usually continue our fellowship at a local restaurant for lunch...
I know the Lord planned this gathering for this week, because I truly needed this time of respite and joy in the midst of my struggles. These ladies always give me a blessing just by their words of love and comfort and prayer. We are there for each other...and I am humbled by the true beautiful hearts of these dear women of the Lord. We all learn so much just from sharing our burdens and cares...and laying them at the feet of Jesus.
I have come away from this meeting today with my burdens lifted, knowing that,
Yes, God IS sovereign, and yes, God IS in control,
and most definitely God IS taking care of me!
And I can live joyfully in the midst of struggles!
"Oh, give thanks to the Lord,
for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever!"
Psalm 118:1
Amen.
Thank you for this open and honest post, Pam, and sharing with us your struggles. Being caregivers is not easy. We've been through that with my father-in-law who passed in July. I am thankful that you have a group of women with whom you can gather around God's Word, share your burdens and have wonderful fellowship. Praying for you, my friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dianna. Yes, it is a great comfort to have friends both here in blog world and in the "real world". God has truly blessed me with this support group and I am most grateful. We are taking one day at a time and trusting God for the best possible outcome. Thank you for your prayers. That means a lot to me.
DeleteYes Pam, I understand and so does God. No worries there. It is hard. I'm glad you had a little time away with friends. Good for the body and the spirit. Bless you for all you do for your mother-in-law. I hope a resolution comes soon, by divine intervention or by getting her some help in assisted living. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteThank you Terri, for your words of comfort and understanding. We are trusting God to work it all out for the good of everyone concerned...in His time. We know God is in control...we just have to be patient and try to stay strong physically as well as spiritually. Thank you for the hugs and prayers.
DeletePam, I am praying for you. I so understand how it is and I pray that you will be able to come to a decision regarding her care. You are doing a wonderful job and you are such a blessing to her but sometimes it becomes just too much. Lots of hugs.
ReplyDeleteOh Melanie, I know you know all too well just how difficult this is. There is no really good or easy solution...we just have to pray that God will be merciful for the sake of all concerned. Thank you for the prayers and hugs. Same back to you, as I know you are still in the midst of this as well.
DeleteOh, sweet Lady, prayers for you. I know that God understands your heart's desires and that it's not only for yourself, but for your MIL, too. That's how I feel about my own Mom. He knows! Glad you were able to get out and enjoy sweet fellowship with your friends. I thought of you when I did my post yesterday on "pause". ;-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for you words of comfort and understanding...and the "Pause" words...yes, I knew they were for me even before you told me! We know that God is working in the midst of this, and He will work everything together for our good. My MIL loves the Lord, and He knows exactly what is best for her. So we trust and try to be patient and strong. Thank you.
DeleteI do understand Pam, I'm sure at some time we have all had to care for someone no matter the age. I know you love your MIL and God will bless your acts of kindness and care of her. I always pray 'not my will but yours Lord'. I'm praying God gives you and extra dose of Love and patience during this time. It is good to have friends to help and encourage you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sylvia. Your words of comfort and encouragement mean so much. We know that the Lord is working in the midst of all of this, and that His perfect will shall be done. We just have to learn to be patient and wait on Him to do what is best. Thank you for your prayers and love!!
DeleteI had my Mother with me for a while after Daddy passed..it was so hard. She had some mini strokes and it left her very hard to deal with..it's heartbreaking and certainly takes its toll on body and mind. Praying God will lead you in right directions for her care. It's wonderful that your ladies meeting came along to lift your spirits. I love my ladies group and look forward to my time with them...I always come away refreshed and uplifted.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mary, for your words of love and understanding. It is so wonderful to have so many here who have either been through this already, or know they will at some time...and we can lift each other up and give support and words of encouragement and comfort. I am so thankful for this group of dear friends...both here in blogland and here at home. God is so faithful to give us exactly what and who we need. Thank you.
DeleteI read your post, and felt every word you shared. Care of the elderly is so taxing, because their mind is still young, and it is hard for them to understand and acknowledge that their bodies are not. Praying that the Lord continues to help you in this difficult season of your life, and for a resolution and solution to be found that would be good for all. So wonderful that you have such a beautiful supportive group of ladies to visit with, truly a blessing for your soul. I will be praying for you dear friend! Hugs to you today!
ReplyDeleteI am so very thankful for my friends here at home, and especially for this dear group of friends here in blogland. It seems as though we are all going through similar experiences, either currently or in the past, and it is such a comfort to be able to support one another. Thank you for your words of comfort and encouragement. Hugs to you and your family today as well, as I know your grief is still so fresh.
DeleteYes, caring for an elderly parent is stressful, indeed. When my mother broke her hip two years ago, I had to live with her for days on end once she was able to come home from rehab. I wouldn't trade that time for anything in the world, but it was still exhausting and trying. I spent A LOT of time in prayer!
ReplyDeleteI'll be praying for you, Pam!
THank you Martha Jane, for your words of comfort and understanding. I truly am thankful that we have been able to spend so much time with my MIL during the past several years since she could no longer live alone in her home. It has been a sweet time, but a very trying time in so many ways. She does have dementia as well, and that creates a lot of extra stresses. We are trusting the Lord to do all things in accordance with His perfect will...and give Him thanks for His strength and comfort even in the most difficult moments. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers today.
DeleteSo glad that you had some time with your friends. Oh how our spirits need lifting and especially so during times like this when we feel that our strength is gone physically and mentally at times. I understand totally what you are saying here my friend. It's hard. It's bittersweet. It's good. It's sad. It's overwhelming. It's tough. It's Love. Well, it is a lot of things and until someone has been in your shoes they have no clue. Praying for you and your family as well as your dear MIL this morning. God hears your cries, knows your heart and He ALWAYS does what is best for us that will bring Him the most glory. Hugs and blessings to you sweet lady. Cindy
ReplyDeletePam,
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for you that you have a wonderful group of ladies to meet with for prayer and Bible study, as well as fellowship. Caring for loved ones is very stressful--our entire being is impacted. I cared for my mom at home for a short time (before she went into long-term care)--she needed so much (some times I thought a toddler would require less care and attention). All of that is in the long ago past (nearly 10 years ago!), mom passed in March of 2008.
Blessings!