Seeking His Heart
I’m writing this on Mother’s Day, and you will receive it the day before my birthday, so I’m feeling rather nostalgic.
I always enjoyed putting mom’s Mother’s Day card where she would discover it. This is the first time I will not be doing that since her death last September. I thought I had conquered the sadness of losing her.
Dealing with someone who has dementia takes an extreme toll on the caregivers. We managed fairly well, but in those last three months she was wasting away. Her 96 year-old body declined quickly, leaving her confined to a wheel chair for the first time. I saw her with her head hanging in sleep most of the time, barely able to say a few words when I woke her.
While I was relieved that the Lord took her out of this bare existence and into his holy light, I must say that today has touched my heart strings and I can;t stop the flow of tears.
I turn to Scripture, remembering a verse that came to mind frequently.
Honor your father and mother as the Lord has commanded you. Deuteronomy 5:16
When there were troublesome times, I called up that verse.
I smile thinking of another mother, Hannah, who in thanksgiving, offered her son Samuel to the Lord.
Each year his mother made him a little robe and took it to him when she went up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. I Samuel 2:19
It reminds me of the many dresses, stage outfits, even my wedding dress that mother made.
When Paul worked among the Thessalonians, he he reminded them that he and his helpers…
…were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. I Thessalonians 2:7
I remember her gentleness and care. I also always thought of my mother as being full of joy, the life of the party, and always so excited to be with her grandchildren.
My heart goes out to those who do not have such a mother. Blessed are those who reach out to give them hope, encouragement, or guidance. Perhaps God will call some of us to be an encourager.
I think of how Jesus honored his mother in his most difficult hour. While enduring great physical pain on the cross, he still had a heart of love and care for his mother. He indicated to John.
“Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. John 19:26-27
Finally, to those who have been adopted, even if you had a good adoptive mother, some still yearn to find the birth mother. I have a friend who found hers, but the mother had died. The other son and daughter never knew of my friend’s existence. Slowly they are coming to accept her as a sister. Though my friend regrets being given up during a rough time and never getting to meet her mother, she says, “Still I am grateful. After all, my mother gave me life.”
Indeed, that’s what we all can say!
~ Joyce ~
Joyce, I remember your singing the part of Hannah at Cedarmore. 💜 Remembering your mama with you. . .
Thanks, Beth. Those were good times.
I pray your many wonderful memories and God’s promises surround you with peace and comfort.
Thank you, Diana. Yes, reaching back to happier times for mother brings comfort even if they are accompanied by a tear
Joyce. Just want you to know you will always have a special place in my heart. You are spot on about Mimi! She was always the sunshine in the room and life if the party. I can See her laughing even as I write this to you. Sure do love and miss you and the special things in life that we shared.. Happy Birthday 💕💕💕
Raenell, so good to hear from you. Occasionally we pass by your house and it stirs up good memories. Yes, those were happy times for mother in Shelbyville, even a 50th anniversary celebration you helped with for mom and dad. Miss you.
Please come by and stop! Oh how we would love to see y’all ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Will do, Raenell!