It’s Friday. Relax and play along with me. How long did it take you to see the insect in the above pic?
Maybe you saw it right away. Maybe you still don’t see it. Eventually, you will. When you do, there is this little sense of aha! In the early 90’s there were prints that came out that had hidden pictures you could only see after staring and allowing your eyes to relax. My kids took one to their grandparents. We had fun with it for a bit and forgot about it. Several hours later we heard, “I see it. I see it!” coming from the dining room. My mom had been standing there staring while we were all busy. She was so excited that she, too. finally saw the hidden picture.
Sometimes when we are in the midst of caregiving, we can see very clearly the big daunting tasks standing in front of us. We see mounds of laundry, doctors visits, bills to pay, meals to prepare and a hungry and agitated person wanting our attention. What we can’t see are the little blessings hidden in the chaos. When my mother was in the early to mid stages of Alzheimer’s I discovered that she hummed any time we were in the car. She had never hummed or shown a love of music. There would be such a look of contentment on her face when I took the time to see it. Then, on random days, this no nonsense woman who never giggled or allowed silliness from her children became a giggling and silly child herself. As strange as it seems, I am so thankful that Alzheimer’s caused her to lose some of her stoicism.
Somewhere in her life she had accepted such a role of responsibility that she lost the ability to have fun. Due to this, I have discovered that it is alright to have fun. By nature, I take responsibility and am dependable. I can still be those things and have joy. You can still take care of the demands on your life and find moments of refreshing joy. It can be as simple as inviting a young child over to blow bubbles in the yard for you and your loved one to laugh with.
I have had so many strange ideas to cross my mind when volunteering with persons who have Alzheimer’s. I would try them and we would have an enjoyable afternoon. The inner child loves to be nourished. God is creative and he has instilled creativity in you. Follow those ideas you get and you might lead to a discovery of joy.
Here is a little help if you didn’t see the insect. Thanks for playing along.
Word for Today
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:3
Song for Today
Prayer for Today
Dear God,
I come to you so thankful for the discovery of your joy that fills my life. You are my hope on difficult and challenging days. You are my inspiration when I need ideas.
I come to you humbled by your amazing love. Be with me and help me to see the little moments of blessings.
Amen
Walking Them Home 