Complaining or Praying?

My struggles have changed since this day I wrote about six years ago. Now Mom and Dad are both with Jesus and I’m missing them and still grieving. Now we are caring for my mother-in-law who has Alzheimer’s, dealing with some health challenges, and looking for employment. But the lessons the Lord was teaching me through caring for Mama, still apply today. Maybe more so…

Mom is doing the best she can, but she is only aware of her present moment. And if that present moment hurts or is uncomfortable or is confusing she says so, with no filter, and no memory that she just said it.

Today she kept saying her tummy hurt and her eyes were burning and her nose was dripping. She didn’t know where she was, who she was, or who Dad was. I told her he was Raymon.

“Oh, that’s Raymon?”

“Yes, that’s Raymon. He loves you. Do you love him?”

“He’s okay,” Mom replied.

Yet, Dad keeps listening to her continual complaints, keeps trying to help, and keeps patiently replying to her hurts, “I’m sorry, honey.” Over and over again. And he spends his days tenderly taking care of her and telling her how he loves her.

This brought me to wondering about my prayers. Do they sound like a repeating loop of complaints? Or do they reflect a faithful releasing of cares and concerns to a trusted Father?

Am I taking time to remember who God is? Am I listening when He whispers who He made me to be and what He is prompting me to do? Am I thanking Him, with a grateful heart, for all of His tender care?

Am I pausing long enough to sink deep into the comfort of His love? My mom is doing the best she can in this season of her life. Am I?