Posted by It does my heart good to read this precious memory from four years ago. And it reminds me, as I’m trudging through the weary stuff of Alzheimer’s now with my mother-in-law, to pray for eyes to see the grace gifts that God sends.
Life is hard most of the time, but God is good all of the time!
I’m still grieving the passing of my dear daddy, who went to be with Jesus in April. I’m still missing my Mama who passed on the end of 2016. My husband and I are struggling to have time as a couple when his mom lives with us and can’t be left alone. I’m dealing with health challenges that are limiting.
But many people have much more challenging things to deal with than I do. And most people have something in their life that is hard. It’s just the way life is.
And our greatest strength and comfort, as believers in Jesus, is knowing that through it all, God is with us. He will not leave us. His mercies are new every morning. And so I pray for eyes to see His mercies daily and for a grateful heart that thanks Him.
Sometimes I see His mercy in a phone call or a card from a friend. Sometimes He lights up a Bible verse for me so it feels like a direct message from my Abba for my need. Sometimes He blesses me with a song on a Christian radio station that moves me to tears.
Some days He lets me hold a sleeping grandchild and I feel His love holding me and surrounding me. Some days He paints the leaves outside my window beautiful colors and shines bright sun through them and I’m touched by His artistry and creation. His love and tenderness for us is expressed in countless ways!
Many times He sends me a message from one of my readers that encourages my soul. And often He gives me a memory that reminds me that He’s been close by me, holding me up, sustaining me with His grace, for the whole journey. Like this one I read today…
November 3, 2014
Yesterday, I was visiting Mom and Dad. Mom saw me sitting on the love seat, and got up off her rocking chair saying, “I want to sit by you.”
I quickly moved things off the seat next to me, as Mama tottered over. Then she sat close to me. She held my hand and leaned her head against my arm and softly patted my arm. And it was so sweet, I didn’t want to move. Ever.
Mama used to want to sit by me often. But now she usually just stays in her own chair. So this time of gentle affection is ever more precious and I soak it in and savor it.
These moments of mama love are gifts from God and renew me. I read this morning, in Jeremiah 31:25 (NKJV), “For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.”
In the midst of the weary sorrow stuff of Alzheimer’s and life, I am grateful for the moments of soul replenishment God sends. He restores my soul. He is faithful and loving and good.
And He will always be my side. He will always hold my hand. I can always lean my head on His strong shoulder. And He will always shelter me with His love. Always.
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God's Grace and Life's Challenges 
As I read your post just now and saw the picture of your mom laying her head against your shoulder, I am in tears. I just returned from seeing my mom all last week and several of my pictures are of her, head on my shoulder, sleeping. Indeed, they are sweet gifts as I burn these images deep in my soul. We were told she had 30-60 days last December and she is still lingering, not knowing who we are most of the time. Thank you for sharing your journey! It is such a comfort and blessing knowing that others understand this journey and, though they are hard, we can be joyful and grateful for these times of blessing. Thank you!
Oh I do understand, Lynette! I’m grateful to hear my journey is a comfort to you. Those days were so hard, but there were so many precious memories made, too. May God give you grace and strength for the rest of your journey. Keep treasuring the gifts along the way! ~Cheryl
Incredibly sweet memory to share. Thank you for using the hard times you have been through, hand in hand with our Lord, to encourage others to keep their eyes on Him too. I loved your gentle written nudge to look for moments of joy within each and every day. God bless you and keep you.
Thank you, barefootlilylady! You are always such an encouragement to me! God bless and keep YOU!
Heart warming, Thankyou for sharing
Thank you for your sweet comment, Mary Frances!
Heroes are all around us yet often go about their lives unnoticed. I believe caregivers are the unsung heroes of our world. Giving lives and time, protecting and embracing loved ones and someone else’s loved ones. Those who can no longer help themselves. I pray you have joy and smiles every day as you go through this selfless journey.
Thank you so much, Lisa!
I’m reminded that I need to have a more grateful heart. Your post was very inspirational. God bless!
Thank you so much, Sam! God bless you, too!