After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace—who has called you into His eternal glory in Messiah—will Himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10, TLV
Our Destination. It’s not often I relate a circumstance or event that just happened. Usually, I prefer to meditate on Abba’s messages and whatever else He has for me that might be helpful to others. However, I’m sharing something that happened last night.
For those who aren’t aware, my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in December. Since admitting her into a beautiful, well-staffed assisted living facility mom has had covid (yes, she was twice vaccinated and boosted). Although it was a very light case, she lost 10 pounds. On a 4’11” frame that is a lot. Still, after she tested negative and finished quarantine and people could visit, the photos showed her wide, cute smile.
Last night, when I called I thought I had awoken her, but she was sobbing. Most of what she said initially was incoherent, finally I figured out that she was lonely and missed her family — specifically her great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She was heartbroken — and so was I.
So, this morning here comes this verse from YouVersion as the Verse of the Day. A verse that was just shown in January. My devotion on that verse in January [ https://authorterrigillespie.com/daily-word-1-peter-510-the-s-word/ ] was a little snarky and I hope it wasn’t offensive to anyone.
Today, bittersweet emotions are bubbling together. As difficult as it was to hear my mother’s suffering last night, I’ve read the medical reports, I know it will get worse. But, Peter comforts us that it will only be a little while in comparison to an eternity basking in our Messiah’s eternal glory. I’m taking that comfort and holding it tight.
Once she calmed down enough to converse and we had a “plan” of tasks I could do from Georgia, I read a psalm and we prayed. Said our “I love yous.” and she hung up.
The only thing I can take away from my January devo is: Remember the old saying of “the light at the end of the tunnel”? Our Light is at the end of our tunnel. And He will be waiting with open arms.
Mom, in perspective of eternity, this suffering will be small. Our Light is at the end of this bleak and jagged tunnel. Until then, we’ll make the most of the days we have.
For anyone going through similar trials with a loved one, I hope this verse will help. In prayer, I agree with you that our Father’s Holy Spirit will give you sanity and compassion and love as you travel this tunnel with them.
Shabbat shalom.
