Moments

I'm sitting next to my dad listening to old hymns. It doesn't sound like a big, exciting thing to some. But, it's a moment I will treasure always. When I tell you that my dad will soon be able to hear the angels singing these hymns, it changes your perspective a little.
But, why should it? We are given the blessing of time with loved ones and moments of joy each day. But, so many times we let moments go by unnoticed or unappreciated or even worse, not taken. We're all guilty of half listening as we think of other things, choosing to play a game or scrolling through facebook, or whatever else rather than stopping to enjoy the gifts right in front of us.
This week more than ever, I am realizing how life changes in an instant. A week ago today, I found out my dad has three tumors. Tonight, I sit with him in a hospice home savoring each moment we have together. We don't know what's next. But, we need to realize what we can have now!
As I drove today, I wondered how many were cutting Thanksgiving short to shop for deals rather than spend time with family and friends. But, years from now, will we remember what we bought or the moments we spent together? I will remember the moments I spent eating and laughing with my husband and family in town and then spending the morning and night with my dad listening to hymns and the smile he got when my mom kissed him goodbye for the night.
I will remember his quiet sense of humor that still shows up as my sister left saying "Behave for Jen." And, my dad, who can barely whisper more that a yes or no at this point, saying "I always behave", leaving off the rest of his response that we all know because we've heard him say it before with a twinkle in his eye. "Sometimes good, sometimes bad." That's my dad, making us smile always, and showing his love for his family.
Don't take things for granted. Always let people know how thankful you are for them. Stop and listen and take time for the moments.
So where was God today? This week?
While this week has been devastating, God has given me so many gifts! The love and prayers from so many, the compassionate people at hospice house, which was a miracle for us to be able to bring dad to, and the times spent with my dad have all shown me that even in the most devastating times, I can see God beside me.
Blessings,
Jennifer

My biggest fan of Godsightings, my dad, printed them out and showed them to my mom who no longer uses a computer. Whenever I stopped writing, he mentioned that he missed them. Whenever I started writing, even just once in a long while, he let me know his happiness that I wrote it. I thought about not writing anymore, but that wouldn't make my dad happy. I told him I would be sitting right next to him listening to music with him and writing a Godsighting. I asked him if he wanted me to read it to him. He answered me "yes". So, I'll read as much as I can. It might take awhile to get through.
Hopefully, someone else will appreciate it, too.