Longing for Home

A few days before Thanksgiving, our brother-in-law had a stroke.  Then the week before Christmas my Mom had two small strokes and was taken by ambulance to the hospital.  These past few weeks have been full of hospital visits in Kingwood and Pasadena.  Both J.R. and Mom have longed to go home where things are familiar and they feel safe and content.  Before that can happen, more progress needs to occur.

Both have been moved to rehab facilities where they are being worked with to gain strength and be able to do tasks that were once part of their everyday life before.  As much as they long to be home, there is still work to do and goals to be accomplished before that can happen.

Observations and thoughts:

* It pulls at your heartstrings to see loved ones having a tough time physically and emotionally.

* Sometimes you have to be in places that aren’t your first choice because that is where people who have been trained and are able to offer the proper care can help.

* It takes hard work to make progress.

* Tasks that were once easy and familiar can be difficult and must be relearned.

* Having advocates makes a difference, especially when help is needed.

* I had just mentioned to Larry, at one of the rehab places, that people might think I was one of the patients when a man in a wheelchair complimented me and cheered me on as I strolled down the hall using my walker.  It was a gentle reminder that I am blessed that MS is just an inconvenience at times.

* At times like these, it’s a huge blessing to have family and friends to share the journey.

* There are moments when you forego doing good things so you can be part of what’s best for someone else.

* Since we aren’t with Mom or J.R. 24 hours a day, there is much comfort and gratitude in knowing that God is with them every second, minute, and hour of the day.

* Prayer needs to be my priority and not my last resort.

Sometimes we, too, are discontent because we’re not in our eternal home yet.  And while we are still here, there is work to be accomplished and things to learn and share to help further God’s Kingdom here on earth.  May we be willing to persevere, keep our eyes on Jesus, and help others along the way.

…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Matthew 28:20b

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we  boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Romans 5:1-5

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you

John 14:2

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 14:27