LOVE

My husband and I were privileged to care for both of our mothers as they completed life’s journeys. Although at separate times, and in different circumstances, there were similarities. One of our mothers had dementia, and one had problems of a different kind. Each situation brought joys and sorrows, frustrations and fears, questions and doubts. And, given the chance, we would do it all over again.

In each case we wanted to live out the Scriptural principle: “Honor thy father and thy mother,” but sometimes it was hard to know what was most honoring. We wanted to show our love for them in demonstrable and practical ways, but again, what was most loving? Love given is not always love received.

Perhaps as you have tried to love others, you have encountered resistance which has surprised you because you, to the best of your ability, were acting in love. If we want to follow the example of the greatest teacher who ever walked on the face of the earth, we will love – even when it is hard – even when it is not well received or reciprocated – even when is it inconvenient.

Jesus said it this way: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” John 13:34-35 (NIV).  And He loved … all the way to the cross … laying down His life. So, when love makes demands on our time, our schedule, our plans, our desires … if we are misunderstood, rebuffed, or criticized, we must love. Because ultimately, we do it for Him, the One who knows us best and loves us most.

Love,

Ruth

If you are interested in reading about my caregiving experience as my mother completed her journey, my book, Bringing Mother Home, is available now on Amazon. You can find a link to it on my book page.

Changing Seasons

I have a certain fascination with Fall leaves. I love to see the brilliance of the reds, yellows, and oranges (especially the reds!). I don’t know why, unless it’s because we lived so many years overseas in a country without the four seasons. Or maybe it’s just the nostalgia of my childhood growing up at the foot of the Blue Mountains in Pennsylvania. Looking out the big picture window in our dining room at the mountain, I could see the trees go through the changes of each season.

On a recent walk with my friend, Linda, I stopped to pick up this leaf from the sidewalk. It intrigued me because of the parts that were still green. Maybe, like me, it wasn’t ready to give up summer quite yet. But seasons come and seasons go, and change happens. It happens in the lives of all of us, doesn’t it? It is certainly happening in the world around us!

Perhaps you are going through a season of change in your own life. Maybe it’s a work situation, where you are wondering how much longer your job will continue, or even if you want to continue in it. Maybe your children are growing up – Way … Too … Fast – and you feel like your role in their lives is losing influence. Maybe you feel uncertain if you’ve done enough to prepare them for the next stage. Maybe you’re tired. You’ve worked hard and there’s still so much that needs doing, but you have less energy than you used to have, and life has become more complicated.

Whatever it is, this is a SEASON … a season where change can still be beautiful!

Charles H. Spurgeon said, “The seasons change, and you change, but the Lord abides evermore the same, and the streams of His love are as deep, as broad, and as full as ever.“

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV)

In whatever season you find yourself, His love is deep and broad and full.

Blessings,

Ruth