I am linking with the beautiful Faith Barista, Bonnie Gray, to discuss how I find beauty in every day life.
It is easy to look at God’s creation around us and see His Hand.
It is also easy to see beauty in the innocence of our sweet child.
But what about finding beauty in difficult situations?
Many of you know, but for the new readers … I am helping care for my parents. My father is 89 and very weak. My Mom is almost 77 and is not doing well (and currently in rehab). I have unwillingly become the parent in our relationship. (I know my parents seem old for my age, but I was a pleasant surprise when they were older.)
My Mom has been confused off and on since she was admitted in the hospital back in June, then rehab — which has made this situation even more challenging.
Beauty in Innocence
Have you ever noticed how innocence seems to return to the lives of the elderly? Once they are forced to hand over control, they seem to surrender at an even deeper level.
Is this possibly God’s way of helping adults return to a child-like heart?
Mark 10:15
Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.
I have had older friends tell me that I will look back at this time as sweet and precious. Hmmmm. I’ll just have to trust that they know since they have walked this path. Hind site is 20/20.
So while in the midst of running back and forth — trying to keep my Mom’s clothes clean, my Dad’s medicine ordered, trading grocery shopping with my sister each week, and attempting to half-way care for my own family … I will seek the beauty in this season.
Now I hang on my Daddy’s “tales” a little longer. I take more pictures. I try to capture moments and absorb stories about our ancestors. I know that our days together are numbered and I appreciate any sweet moments that take place in our visits.
Now I walk in greater mercy with my Mom. I feel sorry for her. At this point I’m just trying to meet her needs and provide some sort of comfort for her. I feel like I’m on autopilot (God is the PILOT).
Isaiah 61:3
… To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
So …
Where is the beauty?
There is beauty in children caring for their parents.
There is beauty in squeezing every old story out of them one more time.
There is beauty in showing unconditional love.
There is beauty in finding shelter and strength in the Lord!
If you’d like to join the Barista’s “Faith Jam” or sip on another serving of faith … click on the button below:
Have a blessed Thursday everyone!
Dear Beth,
I hopped over from WFW but when I saw this post, I just had to stop. I cared for my mother for several years but the difficult ones were after she had surgery in her mid 80s. I treasure the nights when I tucked her in and read Scripture, shared a thought-filled devotional, and prayed. My kids got less of my time then but in the long run, we were all blessed by having Grandma in our home.
I know this time is difficult. I will pray for you.
But the soul-filled rewards far outweigh the difficulties.
Take those pictures and get the ancestral stories. I didn’t do that–my one regret!
Blessings to you as you follow the Lord’s will in caring for your parents.
Janis
Thank you for your sweet support Janis. Bless you.
This was a beautiful post, Beth! Made me want to cry!!!
It is a path we all have to walk someday with our parents. I am so thankful to have God in my life. I can’t imagine otherwise.
Beth, while this season in your life is very trying, and may even get more difficult, yes, you will find beauty in it…..may not see it all now. I now cherish those times I had with my mother those last few months of her life….we had some major difficult moments together, but so many good ones that I now treasure!!
Praying for you….and your family!
~Beth
Thanks friend.
What a sweet way to go about your day. I hope that you find more beautiful things than you can name, and that your path is smooth. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Thank you for your prayers. Seriously. Bless you!
Beth,
I’m crying now as I read your post. I cared for both my parents last year. My dad died in Feb ’10 of lung cancer, then my mom died of Alzheimer’s in September. It was a VERY hard time, and I often felt I neglected my family at home. Finding the right balance was a moving target.
But I am SO glad that I was able to be such an integral part of their lives for that short period, as you will be too. They both became totally dependent on others to care for them, just as we are totally dependent on God, even though we don’t often realize it.
The spiritual lessons you are learning and will continue to learn from this will be invaluable to you in years to come. And for your own children too.
I pray the Lord will bless you with stamina to continue loving and honoring your parents are you are doing.
Blessings to you!
Thank you Lisa! I know you understand.
Praying for you, Beth, as you continue along this journey of caring for your parents. I can’t help but think that you’re actions are pleasing to the Lord and honoring to your parents. Love the conclusion you draw about where the beauty lies:
There is beauty in children caring for their parents.
There is beauty in squeezing every old story out of them one more time.
There is beauty in showing unconditional love.
There is beauty in finding shelter and strength in the Lord!
I know the Lord will bless you for your faithfulness! Hugs!
Thank you for your prayers Maria. Bless you!
I appreciate your encouragement. God bless!
I see beauty in your life, for you are doing what God called us to do in caring for our elderly parents. I can only encourage you to hang in there and keep going when you feel tired or selfish. You will be rewarded. You are beautiful!
Thank you Shanda. I appreciate your sweet words.
Beth,
As I read, I prayed for you…for your parents…for your family, with a heart of compassion.
So much I could say but just know that I care and I pray God’s hand of comfort, strength, wisdom and support for all of you.
Love,
Lisa
P.S. I love your new look here! 🙂
Thank you Lisa. You’ve been down this road with me and my parents for years now. I appreciate your prayers. Love you!
I love the thought that there is beauty in children caring for their parents. I agree. 🙂
Thank you Angie. :o)
Beth, you have blessed me today with this post.
I can’t tell you how I fear my children having to care for their daddy and I. It just makes me ill to think we will be somewhat of a burden on them, if they are found having to help take care of us. I pray this won’t be the case. I know how much they love us,…I know they will say NO BURDEN…I KNOW all this and yet, it IS a BURDEN
My parents are older, too, and need to come live with us. But, they haven’t yet been forced to make that decision and it’s so difficult for them to give up that independence. Mine are far away and it’s terrible that we can’t help them. I said a prayer for you, though, because I know the heart you’re writing from. I have been posting stories here and there in my blog about my dad and it is a healing thing for me and my sisters. When I cared for them after my mom’s hip surgery, there was such a different element that developed in our relationship. Thank you for sharing.
oops…this published right in the middle of my comment…OK..
“yet it is a burden when so many extra tings are put upon your time.
I just dread that time…and I know we are getting close..I am almost 74..Mr. Sweet is 77….we are both in good health..but that can change in the blink of an eye.
I know all this must be hard on you. I wish I knew something to say that would ease your burden..but I don’t.
Just hang in there, love them (I know you already know that) and remember that we reap what we sow.
So your love, kindness and sweet spirit WILL be rewarded.
hugs, bj
I sent you an email BJ. Thanks so much!
Finding beauty in difficult situations is indeed the ultimate challenge…and how wise you are to look for this beauty NOW while your parents are still with you. I love how you have found so many different facets of beauty in caring for your parents.
Thank you Angie. It is totally the grace of God. Trust me. Bless you!
Praying that He continues to bless your eyes and heart to see the beauty He has placed there just for you!
My father lived for many years with dementia and now my mother is battling terminal cancer – she is well at present and making the most of every day. Join with me in prayer that she will come to a saving knowledge of our Jesus!
I am definitely praying in agreement that God will send precious believers to surround her and sow seeds.
Thanks for your prayers friend.
BETH! It was so good to hear from you!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me a comment! I’m so glad to have found you again!
And as always everytime I have visit with you it is just for ME! It is soooo hard for me to see my parents aging and leaving this life on earth…I’m trying to believe that the BEAUTY of this aging process is really their way back “HOME” It just seems so hurtful to me that we live our whole life healthy for the most part…and have to end it with losing our physical and mental abilities, I suppose thats a small part of what makes us ready to be with the Lord!
Wonderful Post!!!!!!
Much Love, Nancy
I’m so glad I found YOU again! I know what you’re saying. It is so hard. Please keep in touch! <3
Beth, You are taking care of aging parents and I have just had a spree of taking care of grandchildren…kinda the same, uh?
I think you are already gaining wisdom by the sound of your post…I know it is hard and tiring but God will surely bless your efforts……
Hugs and blessings,
Nancy
Beth, I’m so glad you joined in with Bonnie this week. I loved your post!
It is difficult caring for aging parents. Because of the love you have for them, you are there for them in this time of need. But it’s not only physically challenging as you still have your own family to care for, but it’s emotionally draining.
I love that you were able to write about the beauty in the midst of this challenging time. You are a wonderful daughter. I loved how you related back to how we are to be as little children, dependent on our heavenly Father.
Beautiful!
Blessings and love,
Debbie
I find this post so encouaging. My dad, 80 yrs old, lives with us. I’m 45, our single child is 10. If you understand, I’d appreciate prayers! Thank you again!
Thank you for your post. This is the test of all our lives. Over and over finding beauty where most of the world sees only turmoil. Thank you for this post 🙂 Came through the Faith Barista.
Dear Beautiful Beth,
I cared for my mother for many years when she was out in disability and I know it is very difficult. It is difficult because it is not just physical, there is a lot of emotional needs that are being poured out. And so, my heart rejoices that you see beauty in it, because in God’s eyes, your service and sacrifice is beauty. You are serving them as serving Jesus, as Jesus said to the least of these you care for, you are doing it to Him. May Jesus continue to support you and your family — and thank you for sharing this season in your life with us!
Thank you for the encouraging comment Bonnie. I know God placed me in this position for a reason. Bless you!