Blessings

my sweet grandmother, Margaret Christian in 2007

Before tucking my girls into bed one night recently, I opened our daily devotional to read the day's entry. Written in first person as though a special love note from God Himself, the brief but meaningful words always serve as encouragement and that day was no exception.

"I am good; there is no bad in Me. None at all. Not even a tiny drop. And the better you get to know Me, the more you will be able to trust in My goodness.

I have a wonderful plan for your life. But you may not always understand that plan. Sometimes My blessings come to you in mysterious ways: even through pain and trouble. I use tough times to teach you more about Me. I can use trouble at home to help you find peace and comfort in Me. I can use a disappointment to teach you that there is joy in My Presence. And I can even use an illness to teach you to be still and listen for My voice.

You won't always understand, but you can learn to trust that I am always good."

-by Sarah Young (emphasis mine)

This blog has been quiet because the past 1 1/2 weeks have been ones of unexpected change and heartache for our extended family. My grandmother's health, which has been very delicate ever since her fall in January, took a turn for the worse when she was hospitalized once again with a serious bacterial infection. Her release from the hospital to home was under the watchful care of end-of-life hospice.

God has graciously allowed me to participate in Grandmom's care since her second day home. It has meant a temporary separation for our immediate family, as Pedro and the boys returned to Michigan and other commitments while the girls and I remained in Delaware. But as the devotional reminded us, "Sometimes My blessings come to you in mysterious ways: even through pain and trouble."

With all my heart, I can truly say this chance to be with my parents and with Grandmom during this difficult time has been a blessing.

Yes, my heart aches because I know this is not how she wished to spend her final days on earth. Grandmom was always independent and never wanted to be a burden on anyone. After coming home she apologized often for that very reason. I only hope she believes us as we reply that caring for her is truly a privilege. She has given so much to each one of us over the years, and now it is our turn to give back.

A song that replayed in my heart the night the girls and I talked about God's mysterious blessings is embedded below. The lyrics are moving, powerful, and so true.