Adding on to the previous post. We spent the day yesterday reminiscing and remembering my mom. We worked on her obituary and a slideshow of her life. We went through hundreds of photos and listened to the recordings of her piano playing. While it was sad, it was also joyful as we realized what a faithful, grace-filled, musical life that my mom had and how blessed we were to share that life with her.
I Found God today remembering my mom.
I woke up this morning with the song “Good Day” running through my head. The words were “I’m ’bout to have a good day, no matter what they say. Sun is shining down on me, birds are singing praise so it’s a good day.” It was a very catchy tune and stuck with me all day. I appreciated the reminder that God is good and in control. And I would say it was a pretty good day.
I Found God today in a positive, upbeat song.
My nephew arrived from out of town last night. He stayed with my son last night so they were able to have some time together before my son leaves for the weekend. My other son and his family returned yesterday from their time away on the East Coast. Tonight we all had dinner together. It was so good for most of us to be together and enjoy visiting and reminiscing. Family is such a blessing.
I Found God today in my family.
We’ve been receiving some beautiful sentiments from friends and neighbors. One card had an especially meaningful and relevant quote from Christian author Max Lucado:
“We don’t like to say goodbye to those whom we love. It is right for us to weep, but there is no need for us to despair. They had pain here. They have no pain there. They struggled here. They have no struggles there. You and I may wonder why God took them home. But they don’t. They are, at this very moment, at peace in the presence of God.”
I Found God today in a comforting message.
My sister and I went to Mass this morning and the scripture readings were so meaningful – as well as the hymns. The theme was that God is with us through all the storms in our lives. After Mass, there was a reception for the beloved priest who came to our house several times and was so present to my mom. Sadly, he is being assigned to another parish. We told him the news of our mom’s death and of course he was very comforting. Later, I received an email from one of the ladies in our community who shared the news with our other neighbors. She included a beautiful reflection that was written by a friend of hers. It was so fitting as well:
80F degrees today. Well, this is not too bad for a warm hike, and enjoy the Colorado outdoors today.
Hikings always allow me to reflect while I enjoy my time by myself.
Throughout the pages of Scripture, I’ve found that the most popular place to learn God’s ways is smack in the middle of the wilderness.
Every single person who has been greatly used by God has had to go through the wilderness.
For it is when surrounded by the deafening silence of the wilderness that the soul quiets enough to hear God speak.
It is when others become shadows that allowing God’s Presence to settle over you that you will finally understand that without Christ, you can do nothing, be nothing, and accomplish nothing.
The lesson is obvious: when there’s no one around to impress, the Lord will impress your heart with His Presence.
You can best hear God in the stillness.
You can best hear God in the quiet.
You can best know the Father when you’re perfectly lonely.
And when you’re alone enough to listen, you’ll hear Him whisper:
You are loved.
You are dear.
You are seen.
Your future is secure.
You are known.
And you are NEVER alone.
“Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage” – Psalm 84:5.
Believer, remember that you’re a pilgrim just passing through this land called Earth, in search of a heavenly city whose maker is God.
Be dependent upon Him for every ounce of strength and thank Him for the pathway He’s showing you in this pilgrimage.
Perhaps it hasn’t always been the path you wanted, BUT it’s always been for your good, because “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him”— Romans 8:28.
Be hungry for the uncomfortable because HE is OUTSIDE of our comfort zones…”
I Found God today in His promise of being present even in the storms of life.
Yesterday as we talked with nurses and caregivers about my mother, my brother used the word “graceful” to describe her. When I sat with her this morning, her items on the nightstand caught my eye. They included her reading glasses, her St. Padre Pio prayer book, and a prayer card with her name on it. The card read, “Anita. Graceful. Fear thou not; For I am with thee; Be not dismayed; For I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; Yes, I will help thee.” This scripture was particularly fitting as my mom stood at the threshold of eternity. I read the prayer to my mom as she laid in her bed. She went to be with the Lord and my dad only hours after that. We were all so grateful that she experienced a very peaceful passing. This afternoon I received a message from a friend that included the exact same scripture. Later, my sister went outside for a bit. When she came back in, she realized a ladybug was crawling on her. We learned that the insect can symbolize grace. I’m grateful for the ways God shows His presence even in extremely difficult situations.
I Found God today remembering my graceful mother.
This morning as I sat with my mom, I was rocking in the rocking chair. It suddenly occurred to me that it was the same chair that my mom rocked me and my siblings in when we were babies and beyond. My mom was in this chair at the beginning of our lives and I am blessed to share it as she prepares for her new life. I pray I have been able to provide her at least a portion of the love she shared with us.
I Found God today in generational love.
Sadly, things turned quickly for my mom the other day and she is at the end of her life here on earth. While it is not unexpected, it is still difficult to see her continue to suffer as she finishes this race well. I told her today how brave and strong she is and that she’s my hero. I have been listening to the book of John in the Bible. Today was chapter 11 which was the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. It was a much needed, beautiful reminder of God’s promise to us. I know that my mom will have new life in and with Him on the other side.
I Found God today in His promise of a new life after death.
I was delighted to talk with a far away friend today. She and her family have been on mind and I pray for them often. Her husband passed away almost a year ago now, which was hard to believe. While our situations are different, the pain of suffering the loss of a loved is the same. We talked about our anger with God, while also experiencing His love and care in tangible ways. We talked about the counseling and prayer partners who have been helpful during this journey. And we caught up on what was happening in the lives of our kids. It had been a long time since we actually spoke and I realized how I missed her and her family. They have always been a support and blessing to me. I was grateful that we connected.
I Found God today talking with a friend.
We have struggled for months to get quality, caring, committed caregivers in the house to help care for my mom. Especially as her needs change and she continues to decline, this becomes harder and harder. It makes me hesitant to try new people, but it is necessary as I become more exhausted. Recently we hired overnight caregivers so my sister and I can get some sleep. I have trained 4 different people during the past 5 nights. It all seems like a blur. One woman basically quit before she even walked in the door as she said it was too far to travel and had several complaints before she even met my mom. She is no longer coming. However, the other 3 ladies have been fantastic – knowledge on the ways of Hospice, patient, gentle, and kind. I am so grateful for them and for God sending them to us.
I Found God today in wonderful, caring caregivers.
Still Finding God 