There are several things that I have been wanting/needing to get to help make things a little easier for my mom. I shopped several stores here in the city with no luck. Finally, I gave in and shopped online. It was a long, tedious process, but I hopefully found what I was looking for. Even though I would really rather see and feel a product before I buy it, I am grateful for the option to shop online. And I am happy to be done.
I Found God today being able to order things that we need.
Today we read yesterday’s reflection in “Jesus Calling”. It described a beautiful image of a ballerina spinning around and around. In order to keep her balanced, she must have a focal point. I suppose the same is true for other dancers and ice skaters as well. This concept tied in with our faith life. In a world where we can find ourselves sometimes spinning out of control, we need to have God as our focal point. If we continue to look to Him, we can remain balanced. It was very relevant especially as just before we read this, my mom said that she felt her head was spinning. After listening to the reflection and putting on our Holy Water, we all felt better.
I Found God today reminded to keep focused on Him.
I listened to a podcast today that talked about how to resist the devil. First and foremost was to remain steadfast in faith. 1Peter 1:6-7 was quoted, “In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” In other words, we will all suffer. The important thing is to remain steadfast in faith, offering your suffering to God, trusting that He is with you and will see you through to the other side. I found this to be comforting and somehow energizing at the same time.
I Found God today encouraged to remain steadfast in faith.
I was happy to meet with my prayer group tonight. We talk about scripture and life and prayer for each other’s needs and intercessions. I always leave appreciating the wisdom, faith, and friendship of the group. Tonight one of the ladies talked about the difference between waiting and abiding. Waiting gives the visual image of constantly checking the time and nervously tapping your feet or pacing. Certainly we can’t wait “for” the Lord. God is always present. He doesn’t go somewhere else and then we have to wait for Him to come back again. We could wait “on” the Lord as we want something to happen or need an answer to a decision we’re trying to make. On the other hand, abiding “with” the Lord is more peaceful and productive. When we abide with Him, we acknowledge that He is always present and in control of our lives. We are freed to go about our day without worry. Abiding with God is being attentive to His promptings in the moment and trusting that you are doing your part and He is doing His.
I Found God today gaining a new perspective.
It was already time for my mom to get a haircut. Her hairstylist said she was busy the next couple weeks and not sure when she would be able to make it over. She called this afternoon and said she was available. My mom was just finishing her nap, but didn’t want to get up. I felt bad, but eventually, she did get up and ready. The hairdresser arrived with a friend. We also had a caregiver over. We all chatted while Mom was being cared for. The friend was a nurse, so all the women were attentive to my mom and aware of how to make sure she was comfortable. My mom was overwhelmed from the beginning, but relaxed as she sat longer. In the end her hair was beautiful. I very much appreciated the generosity of the hairstylist, the attentiveness of all the ladies, and the conversation.
I Found God today in caring women.
Our old refrigerator has been slowly getting noisier. It has actually been keeping us awake during the night. One of the shelves broke and the door drops down a bit with a clunk when it is opened. Almost a year ago, my mom and I looked at refrigerators online at their favorite appliance store. She picked out the fridge she wanted and the intention was to go purchase it. Unfortunately as she declined, going out to buy it would be overwhelming. I finally decided I should get it before the old one quit working completely. I went to the favorite appliance store several weeks ago and made the purchase. The new refrigerator arrived today. My mom helped clear off the plethora of magnets and stuff that was covering the old refrigerator and enjoyed looking at some of the memories. She was ready to nap, but she didn’t want to miss what was going on. She managed to stay awake until after the installation and got a good look at her new appliance. She was very happy with it. I got everything cleaned up and the food in it’s proper places. After mom’s nap, she helped arrange some of the memorabilia on the new fridge at a lowered level so she can see it from her wheelchair. I am grateful to have a new, quiet, efficient refrigerator and love that it even has memories.
I Found God today receiving a new refrigerator.
Today at Mass, two men were fully initiated into the Catholic Church. One was a young adult who was an exchange student from Brazil. During his time here, he went to church with his host family. He was intrigued and soon converted. He will return back to his home as a new Christian. The other was an older man from the Middle East who grew up Islamic. He was also convinced that the Christian faith is the Truth. It was moving to see each man Baptized, Confirmed, and receiving their first Holy Communion. The joy and reverence each one showed brought me to tears. So often I take my faith for granted, and witnessing their experience reminded me of what a gift it truly is.
I Found God today in new Christians.
Today my sister shared a quote that felt very relevant to me. “Sometimes God will slow you down so that the evil ahead of you will pass before you get there.” I can be impatient and anxious in a situation and want to move on. I have found it takes much commitment and perseverance to wait for God’s timing. And waiting needs to consist of living and loving every moment in gratitude. Only by God’s grace can this be done. And God’s grace is only accessible through prayer – slowing down, taking time out and away to be with Him. He slows us down to be with Him so He can care for us.
I Found God today in a reminder of His grace when I slow down.
One caregiver who comes over regularly is a young woman in her 20’s. She is empathetic, peaceful, and attentive. I really enjoy our conversations. Today she talked about the troubles of social media affecting self esteem and how there is so much anxiety, depression, and suicidal tendencies. The young woman said she would like to be a Christian counselor. Then she would be able to meet with those who are struggling and tell them how much God is blessing them in this life and how much He loves them. I thought that was such a beautiful, caring, selfless desire.
I Found God today in a caring young woman.
It has been ridiculously difficult to get dedicated caregivers for one reason or the other. We had another new caregiver start yesterday and she was here this afternoon. While she sat with my mom during her nap, I took advantage of the opportunity to go outside. The housing complex delivered mulch that was ordered today. It was a beautiful day, so I grabbed my rake and shovel and headed out. While spreading the mulch, I was able to chat with a couple of the neighbors. It felt so good to get out and do some yardwork. I was grateful for the beautiful day and the new caregiver. I’m praying she will be around a while.
I Found God today doing yardwork.
Still Finding God 