Monday, February 28, 2011

Zoning

“When God moves us out of our comfort zone —- into places that are way bigger than us, places that are difficult, hard, painful —- even hurt — this is a gift. We are being given a gift. These hard places give us the gift of intimately knowing God in ways that would never be possible in our comfort zones.” -The Holy Experience

Truth be told, I am way out of my comfort zone... Part of me longs for escape, but a bigger part longs to grow through this difficult time. There is much to be thankful for in this "gift," I know that, but what to thank Him for, I am not always certain...

Who is the woman living in my house? Is this really the same woman who tenderly cared for me as a babe? The same one who tied my shoes and held my hand on long walks? Is this the woman who smiled proudly on my wedding day? Is she the one who sat on the living room floor and played "Cars and Blocks" with my boys, the one who lent a listening ear so many frustrating days?

She says growing old is hard and I've no doubt of that, but watching one's parent grow old is not a picnic either. I've not yet mastered the art of answering repeated questions without a trace of irritation. I've not yet figured out how to gracefully intervene in sticky situations. I'm not yet sure how to decipher the now blurred lines of parent and child...

One thing I do know, if I am willing to believe and trust my Father in heaven knows what He is doing, underneath the wrapping is a gift and God is near.

8 comments:

  1. Praying for you. Hold on! You can do it! You have the creator of the universe holding you and guiding you:-)

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  2. She is the same person, and yet so very different, it's tough to see how she's aged when I visit. I know it's got to be so difficult for you guys. She told me something several times today, each time like it was the first time she was saying it. Sometimes I think that if I could just keep the conversation with her going, she wouldn't ask the repeated questions or repeat the same things to me over and over again, but that is a task in itself. I wish that life wasn't this way, I wish the road was easier, but it could be worse too. I know God is with us through it all, especially you who have to bear the brunt of it and deal with it on a daily basis. Praying for you, Marty. BIG hugs.

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  3. Thank you for coming to visit her like you do, Rachel. I love you.

    In all of this I am most grateful for a husband who stands by both of us, loving her and being patient, and encouraging me when things are tough and helping me to see where I could do things a little differently. He is a gift.

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  4. holding your hand, crying my tears with your tears, the pleas to God for intervention... given up on that. Acceptance is not in my nature, I have always thought I could master anything.. not so anymore. This is very humbling for me. Thanks for being there.

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  5. Judi, I think of you often. You are in my prayers. I love you too.

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  6. Holding you in my prayers too. Husbands in situation that are difficult who stand by us, encourge us, help up see things perhaps from a different angle. Many gifts, husbands are speical. Yours and mine.

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  7. May God bless you for all you do for your Mom.

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