I sat down to write last night, but the screen remained blank. Earlier in the day I had thought of something I wanted to write about, but when I finally had a chance, I couldn't remember. There are too many things going on in my brain right now.
I sit here listening to the oxygen tank humming, my dad snoring, and my phone dinging that I got another message. The day has been hectic as caregivers and family have been by.
I've spent my days caring for my parents, cleaning and sorting through years and years of things that have accumulated in their house, and communicating with family and friends.
I read something on facebook yesterday that talked about it being an honor to care for our loved ones as they age and need more care. I definitely agree with that. Being able to spend this time together, being there to fulfill their needs, being one of the few to be able to tell if my dad is just breathing or whispering something and being able to understand it (most of the time) and being able to hold his hand and tell him I love him more times than I can count, is something I am grateful that I can do in these days. Would I rather he was well and could live forever? Absolutely! But, that's not possible. So, I am grateful for what I have been given.
My phone continues to ding- a message here, a text there, and emails. What would I do without these random words of thoughtfulness, the promises of prayer, and the questions and concern from loved ones? Honestly, I don't know what I would do. Thankfully, I don't have to find out! But, it makes me appreciate the people in my circles even more than I did before. It makes me aware of ways that have touched my heart like I have never felt before. It's teaching me how to better love others who are hurting, going through hard times, or overwhelmed because I am experiencing it first-hand.
Hospice has been amazing and I consider it to be a gift from God. Getting my dad into hospice house in a matter of a few hours when there are only 16 beds is nothing short of a miracle. Their way of taking care of both the patient and the family and friends is the epitome of radical hospitality! While staying there with my dad, I didn't have to think about anything I needed because they were caring for me, too. I got to just focus on my dad and our family. How can I care for others like that? How can I show radical hospitality to others going through things so that they can focus on their situation?
Last, but definitely not least, I am so grateful for the faith and love for God that my parents raised me to learn and know. Being raised in a home where God was just a part of our everyday lives was a blessing I can't begin to explain. And, in times like this, I am assured of a God who loves me and my family, and right now, even more important to me, I am assured that my God has prepared a wonderful place for my dad. When he arrives, he will no longer feel pain. Talking just last week, my dad quoted from the Bible of God preparing a place and that in heaven there would be no more tears. Knowing that my dad has this peace and knowing that he will be with Jesus gives me some comfort. This has instilled in me a rejuvenated calling to help those who don't have this peace. If I didn't have my faith and assurance in God, I would be struggling to deal with this even more than I already am. I can't fathom going through the rough times without my faith. My hope comes from my faith that God walks beside us until the day we walk home with Him.
In any situation there are lessons to be learned, ways we can grow, and people we can both learn from and help by teaching. The key is to look for the opportunities before us and realize them for what they are.
So, where was God today? He was walking beside me...sometimes holding my hand and sometimes helping me to look for the opportunities to grow.
Blessings,
Jennifer
I sit here listening to the oxygen tank humming, my dad snoring, and my phone dinging that I got another message. The day has been hectic as caregivers and family have been by.
I've spent my days caring for my parents, cleaning and sorting through years and years of things that have accumulated in their house, and communicating with family and friends.
I read something on facebook yesterday that talked about it being an honor to care for our loved ones as they age and need more care. I definitely agree with that. Being able to spend this time together, being there to fulfill their needs, being one of the few to be able to tell if my dad is just breathing or whispering something and being able to understand it (most of the time) and being able to hold his hand and tell him I love him more times than I can count, is something I am grateful that I can do in these days. Would I rather he was well and could live forever? Absolutely! But, that's not possible. So, I am grateful for what I have been given.
My phone continues to ding- a message here, a text there, and emails. What would I do without these random words of thoughtfulness, the promises of prayer, and the questions and concern from loved ones? Honestly, I don't know what I would do. Thankfully, I don't have to find out! But, it makes me appreciate the people in my circles even more than I did before. It makes me aware of ways that have touched my heart like I have never felt before. It's teaching me how to better love others who are hurting, going through hard times, or overwhelmed because I am experiencing it first-hand.
Hospice has been amazing and I consider it to be a gift from God. Getting my dad into hospice house in a matter of a few hours when there are only 16 beds is nothing short of a miracle. Their way of taking care of both the patient and the family and friends is the epitome of radical hospitality! While staying there with my dad, I didn't have to think about anything I needed because they were caring for me, too. I got to just focus on my dad and our family. How can I care for others like that? How can I show radical hospitality to others going through things so that they can focus on their situation?
Last, but definitely not least, I am so grateful for the faith and love for God that my parents raised me to learn and know. Being raised in a home where God was just a part of our everyday lives was a blessing I can't begin to explain. And, in times like this, I am assured of a God who loves me and my family, and right now, even more important to me, I am assured that my God has prepared a wonderful place for my dad. When he arrives, he will no longer feel pain. Talking just last week, my dad quoted from the Bible of God preparing a place and that in heaven there would be no more tears. Knowing that my dad has this peace and knowing that he will be with Jesus gives me some comfort. This has instilled in me a rejuvenated calling to help those who don't have this peace. If I didn't have my faith and assurance in God, I would be struggling to deal with this even more than I already am. I can't fathom going through the rough times without my faith. My hope comes from my faith that God walks beside us until the day we walk home with Him.
In any situation there are lessons to be learned, ways we can grow, and people we can both learn from and help by teaching. The key is to look for the opportunities before us and realize them for what they are.
So, where was God today? He was walking beside me...sometimes holding my hand and sometimes helping me to look for the opportunities to grow.
Blessings,
Jennifer
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