This Season

The past several weeks have been shadowed by illness for our family. It seems each time we are all well, we’re exposed to something else and everyone gets sick. This last one has rounded our family- some as many as three times! It’s been a long, cold winter. I’m thrilled to see spring here. Perhaps sunshine and warm weather will clear germs.

We have still managed to visit with my grandmother in between illness. I try to visit and take her things she needs, manage her nails and hair. I feel like I’ve had to let a lot go since we’ve been ill. I am praying everyone will be well enough in the next day or two to see to her needs before the baby comes.

Please do remember two specific family members when you pray. I lost one family member recently, (younger than I). Please be praying for his immediate family.

Also, Paul’s cousin who lost her baby at 37 weeks pregnant this past week. My heart just aches for her. Please keep them in your prayers.

Paul’s dad had open-heart surgery a week ago on Wednesday. I think he is the most resilient man I have ever known. He is recovering easily, but I know could use the prayer, if you think on him.

Added to that, I received a call to come to our attorney’s office, (actually on my due date). It’s time to sign documents to close my mama’s estate, (which I did).

This past year has taught me much about death. While obvious is the lingering sadness that can accompany the loss of a dear loved one, you might not see the other things that happen around such an event. We have spent the better part of a year dealing with some hard issues concerning family. I’ve spent time each week (at times, each day!), having to talk to folks concerning taxes, bills, her home, etc.

When this all started, I prayed the Lord would allow me to handle all of this with grace and His leading. I don’t feel like I’ve been all that graceful, at times, but I’ve sure tried. I would want my mama to be happy with the way things have been handled and left.

I loved my mama. I fear these coming weeks will be especially hard for our family (for many reasons), but I know the Lord knows. I will be glad to be past the “business” of death.

I loved my mama. She was a good mother. She was a beautiful person. I’m thankful the Lord allowed me to have her for 40 years.

Some good things…

1. Jacob, it seems, has a new position as and electrician apprentice.

I had been praying for him for some time…that the Lord would give him direction and lead a path. Some friends told us they had someone they wanted Jacob to speak with…this company will pay for his schooling and supplies as long as he keeps up his grades. It all seems good. Please be praying as he transitions from his current job to this new position in the next couple of weeks.

2. This past week, Paul and I had gone to trade vehicles with Jacob at his work. It was around lunch time. A big white van pulled up right next to us. The man was watching us as we traded cars. Paul tried to crank the van and it wouldn’t start. The man jumped out of his van, grabbed jumper cables and walked toward us. Within a few minutes (and never having asked for help at all!), we were back running. A new battery later, the van is running good as new. The man just told us to have a blessed day as he drove away. (I truly believe the man was planted there by the Lord!)

3. The next morning, Paul and I were discussing a co-worker of his. It’s someone I’ve not met in person but have wanted to meet. I knew he was recently married. Not too long after they were married they learned they were expecting. He’s been speaking with Paul about his thoughts on family size and sharing his conviction that God plans families. Paul has been able to share some with him…it’s been awesome to watch the Lord work!

In any case, on the way to the doctor, Paul and I stopped for breakfast. This young man happened to walk in at the same time! We were able to visit with him and make some tentative plans for dinner after our little blessing arrives. He is a gem! I am looking forward to meeting his new wife and it was unbelievable to meet him in person the very morning Paul and I were discussing his new family.

I’m learning with each passing week that when the Lord brings us to seasons that are full…some not as pleasant as others, His mercies are wide and great. We just have to look.

May the Lord be praised!


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