The adventures of my life have allowed me to explore forests, trees, streams and coral reefs. Ah, but mountains are a different story. I have observed their beauty from land and air. Climbing one presents challenges. Several years ago we drove to Mount Rainier with the intentions of hiking. Soon we noticed that to do this we would need snow shoes even in the summer. We definitely were not prepared with warm jackets, hats, gloves or scarfs: hence, we observed from the base and threw snowballs. I could walk away disappointed but decided to be grateful for the beauty I took in.
There have been mountains in my life that didn’t seem to hold any beauty. All I could see was how they were blocking my path and presenting challenges I didn’t know how to handle. I prayed for them to be removed, but God didn’t seem to be listening. Climbing the jagged edges pierced my body and spirit. Battered and bruised I nursed my wounds and cried out “Why God?”.
With flagging faith I pressed forward holding on to God’s word and promises. Some of the words that kept me going were found in the Bible.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12
God opened doors that needed to be opened. God made straight paths when I needed them. God strengthened me when I was afraid. He gave me comfort. He gave me peace. He gave me hope.
For now, the mountain of having a parent with Alzheimer’s and caring for them has been climbed and conquered. God chose to heal by allowing my mom to come to her final home where the pain and suffered are over. I can praise God with a joyful heart for that.
There are other mountains I still face. God is leading me with hope as I face them. He alone knows what the future holds. I know I can trust him. He loved me enough to send His son, Jesus, to tear the veil separating me from God. This relationship with God has seen me through many trials. I have been able to walk away stronger and fuller of faith with the cuts and bruises healed.
I share this glimpse into my life because this is my story. People can accuse God of being a crutch. I shout for joy that I have such a powerful crutch to lean on.
Caregivers need all of the help they can get. No person can feel your concerns, worries, fears, and pain. Friends try. Counselors try. God created you. He gave you the ability to have emotions so He alone gets it. I encourage you to turn to the greatest source of help you will ever find.
If you disagree with my faith, that is alright too. I know that God gave each of us choices. I ask that you simply respect my choices and hope that other things I offer here will be helpful to you.
Every post is written with love and concern for those who have answered the call to be a caregiver. Some stepped up willingly while others had no choice. Either way, you are a caregiver. You have joined an army across the world who are working just as hard as you. Any time we can encourage each other we need to.
Word for Today
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. I Corinthians 1:18
Song for Today
( This testimony and song remind us that sometimes we don’t have to understand what God is doing. I can relate. You may see me as someone who has it all together. I do not. I simply walk by faith.)
Prayer for Today,
Dear God,
I am facing mountains in my life. Sometimes it is hard to believe. Give me more faith when mine is small. Help me to accept the mountain knowing that you have a plan. Hold my hand as I climb it and teach me as I climb.
Amen.
Walking Them Home 