2024 Off To A Great Start or not?

2024 was off to a great start. God had gifted me with a new level of confidence in Him which was amazing. I was funemployed and using those extra 25 hours a week to do things with Mom and for taking care of myself spiritually, physically and emotionally. I spent time with friends, new and old, each week. I was re-prioritizing my life and the top priorities after God and family were relationships. Mike and I were meeting friends in Aruba and we were so excited to get away. The day after we got to Aruba I got the message that Mom had fallen, fracturing her vertebrae and tearing her rotator cuff. We would later learn she had a small stroke, the day after her fall, leaving her right side very weak. When I got to Mom she wanted me to pray with her that God would take her home. Though it was hard I understood her faith. 2024 was not going to be a good year! John 3: 16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Mom spent a week in the hospital and shared her thoughts with everyone. One day Pastor Barry and some friends from church were there and Mom was telling them about the better place she was going to. We all gathered around her and prayed. I told God I know my heart would be shattered when that time comes but I would have to rejoice for her. After the prayer Mom said, "what is there not to be excited about"?! Amen! This changed my whole perspective. If Mom went to Heaven in 2024, it would be a great year. Yes, it would be a sad year but I know my momma would be living in the presence of her Lord and Savior and have no more pain. She would be reunited with my dad and many family members and friends.

Mom told God if there is something He needs her to do let her know and she will do it. While she is in rehab she has been witnessing to others. She has made a difference in the lives of some of her workers. She reminds me, daily, she is ready to go Home (Heaven). I understand her desire. She is a woman of great wisdom and, as I told her, there is lots more I need to learn from her. God is in control and until He takes her home I will be grateful for our precious time together. She isn't excited to leave her loved ones but what is in Heaven is far greater. The pull towards heaven is greater than our earthly ties. In 2 Timothy 4: 18, Paul wrote with great assurance, "The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen." I am so thankful for God's plan of salvation and for the peace that I can have during tough times.