Ups and Downs

Thank you all for your patience during the past few weeks.  For those of you who may not know, I have not written because of many planned and unplanned circumstances.  As I was preparing for my retirement by transitioning activities to my successor, my mom became ill.  After only a few short days, Mommy went to be with Jesus in heaven.  These past few weeks have been filled with many highs and lows.  There were times when we thought Mom was going to get better, and then the realization that this was not going to occur.  In between we celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary, my daughter and grandson’s birthdays, my birthday, and my retirement.  The happy events were certainly overshadowed with a sense of sadness.  It has been an emotional roller coaster.

I always learned so much from Mom and her approach to everything in life.  Even in dying, she continued to teach me.  She always tried to see the good in situations, and even as she knew her time on this earth was limited, her sole focus was on seeing Jesus.  In fact, on the day before she passed, the doctors did a procedure where she was not guaranteed to come back to us.  We all said our goodbyes.  She actually survived that procedure.  When I went to see her, I said, “Mom – you’re still with us.”  Of which she rolled her eyes and said, “You’ve got to be kidding.”  The woman was focused!!  The next day, she met Jesus, and I am certain she cried tears of joy!

As I walked back through the events of these last couple of weeks, the verses for today could not represent my feelings any better.  There have been times to weep and times to laugh.  There have been times to mourn and times to dance.  The Dear Lord graced us in each moment.  He gave us what we needed in each conversation, in each memory, in each moment of silence.  God gave us the hope that Mom always gave us – the good in all situations.  That is just like God, isn’t it?  To give us exactly what we need when we need it, not a moment sooner or later.  My friends, God is always there for us, no matter what the circumstances, no matter how hard our walk on this earth is.

So, I thank you all, again, for your patience during my absence these last few weeks.  May we sit back for a few moments and revel in the glory that is our God – the giver of times.  If you have a chance, please read Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8.  I am certain you will find a ‘time’ that is speaking just to you!

Dearest Lord, thank you for always providing us with what we need whatever ‘time’ we may be in.  You give us the hope and direction that speaks to our hearts.  In thanksgiving to you, Amen!