Monday's Musings

I'm sorry to those of you who follow my blog that I've been quiet recently. It's not that I haven't thought of you. I've missed visiting your blogs as well.

But I have a new assignment for a little while.

I have a wonderful father-in-law and mother-in-law.

They need my help.

You see, my father-in-law has pulmonary fibrosis. And it's in the late stages. So I'm here in their home spending time with them. Doing whatever I can to help out.

He doesn't have a lot of time left.

I'm not telling you about this to say how great I am. I'm not. I'm being blessed beyond measure.

My father-in-law is facing death with amazing grace. Sure, he has moments of being a little grumpy. He's entitled to that every so often as far as I'm concerned.

But he has peace. A peace that the bible describes as passing understanding. 

When he finds himself sad about things he can't do again, God whispers in his ear and says,
"Larry, be thankful for where you have been. You are blessed."

He told me that with deep emotion.

He's asked me to care for "his girl", his wife, after he's gone. We will.

I'm truly humbled to be here and witness this precious man face the end of his life. To make the most of every day. To be grateful for the smallest things. A good talk. Some tasty food. A good nap. A hospital bed delivered and set up.

God's using this time to in my life to help me see all of my life more clearly. I assume I have years ahead of me. But that's not promised.

But for now, I treasure the time spent here, learning from a man facing his maker, with peace. I'll have memories to carry me through the rough days ahead when I can't just pick up the phone and call him anymore. When my mother-in-law has a rough day; I'll be able to say, "Remember when..."

God has given me a wonderful gift. To walk with one of his faithful servants through the valley of the shadow of death.

I'll cry when he's gone for my sake because I'll miss him.

But I'll rejoice for him because he won't be suffering anymore. He'll be in the presence of God, in glory beyond what we can imagine.

So please accept my apologies for not posting regularly. I will get back to it. I do miss your blogs.

But I have an assignment. For a while. And I want to spend every moment I can right here. Smack in the center of God's will.

Tell anyone that you care about how much you love and appreciate them. You never know how long you or they have.

And if you want me to add you to my prayers, just leave me a comment. It will be my honor to pray for you as well.

Grace and peace,
Mary