Advent

Advent devotion-

Season of Advent Through the Eyes of a Daughter

Throughout the month of November, I focused on being thankful. And, in the last week, I have become so very grateful for all of the things God has blessed me with during this hard time. Prayers from loved ones and strangers, compassion and kindness from those working to help my dad, and family and friends reaching out and offering to help are all things I'm thankful for. Now, a word from my dad or him drinking a tiny bit of ginger ale brings me unspeakable joy! I'm realizing the little things that mean so much right now are things we should treasure always.

Now, we begin the season of advent- hope, peace, joy, and love! During this time, sometimes functioning is a struggle. But, when I am struggling the most, God sends me reminders of hope, peace, joy, and His love! 

I have never been more grateful for the gift of Jesus, who was born to save us so that we can be with God in heaven. That gives me hope for a future with Him. And, it gives me hope for a time when my dad will be free from the pain and the illness that has taken over his body will be gone. But, I have also seen hope when my dad asked if he could go home and that, then became my hope, too. So, it's fitting that my dad came home on this first Sunday of advent, Hope! 

After my dad found out about his tumors, but before he struggled to speak more than a word or two, he told me that he had a direct line to the Big Guy. He knows where he will be heading. And, although a little choked up as he spoke, he definitely had a peace about him that only God can give.

Joy! This has to be my favorite! My dad is typically on the quiet side. He has a very dry sense of humor that comes out when you least expect it! But, last week, he wanted to make sure everyone knew that he never lost his sense of humor! Even today, as he was getting ready to get into the ambulance, I said "Dad, behave." His reply, "Always." The unspoken words that I knew he was saying because he's been saying it for a long time, "I always behave, sometimes good, sometimes bad!" But, my personal favorite was a new one for me. I told him of all of the people praying for him. He smiled and said, "Every little bit helps, just like the old woman said as she was peeing in the ocean!" That's my dad, bringing joy even now!

Love, I can't even begin to share how much I love my dad and how much I know my dad loves me! When I stop and think about all of the things he has done for me, it's overwhelming. Now, as my sister and I care for him, he says we shouldn't have to do this. But, we tell him that after all of the years he took care of us, it's only right that we care for him. So, when I think about God, Our Father, who loves us as His children, oh how wonderful that is! He has taken such good care of me and now, it's only right that I do everything I can to show my love for Him! What that looks like is different for everyone. God gives us each our own gifts and opportunities to use them for Him. 

So, this advent season, enjoy the hope and peace that God has given you in Jesus, the joy and love He has given you in caring for you! But, remember that God has great plans for you to share His love with everyone throughout this season and always. So, make sure you're not too busy getting ready for Christmas to celebrate advent!

Blessings,

Jennifer