As I wrote about yesterday, I have really questioned God about Mom's fall on our first full day of vacation. Thankfully, even though I am a slow learner, I went to God to help me handle this. After all, didn't I just write about our Helper, the Holy Spirit!? Again, for me, the good news is John 14: 16, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever..." And as my pastor said, read this verse out loud and insert our name. "And I will ask the Father, and he will give Jill another advocate to help Jill and be with Jill forever!" That also goes for Mom. "And I will ask the Father, and he will give Mom another advocate to help Mom and be with Mom forever!" And that goes for you too! "And I will ask the Father, and He will give _______another advocate to help _________ and be with _______forever!"
So what has my Helper shown me in the last two days? His timing is perfect. I may not understand but I have to trust. Psalm 3: 5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Because this accident happened on this trip, Mom has two personal nurses here - to do any and everything for her. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." Because Mom lives alone she s guaranteed to be with two people 24/7 without feeling like she is inconveniencing anyone. She can just be loved on.
I was thankful to have my cousin, Donna, with me when this happened because I was ready to freak when I heard the fall. She has always loved Mom and has always been good to her. We are a good team whether we are traveling or taking care of someone. She comes from Mom's side of the family so we grew up with lots of laughter and humor! We continue to laugh and that is so good for Mom and helps the pain! Proverbs 17: 22, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
God brought to mind that He can use this incident to witness to others, like me praying with Mom before they pushed the stretcher out. I noticed we had lots of people watching us in the ocean that first day - laughing so loud! Several people commented on our "finds". The next day they see Mom with a cast, holding on to us as we walk into the shallow water. We use a cup and pour water on her without getting her arm wet. It wasn't the same but we were still laughing. We still had joy! God brought to mind that people are always watching. We don't know who was watching or what their situation was. Watching us may have spoken to them regarding their life or a relationship. God doesn't waste anything and He will use this. He will bring good from bad for His children. Romans 8: 28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
The reason I wanted to pray for Mom before she went to the hospital is because I needed her to remember she was not alone - we were following in our rental car. I said that wrong. I needed to remember that she was not alone. We are never alone! Joshua 1: 9, "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.” Like my kids and my husband, I am very protective of my momma! And I have to remember He loves her even more than I do and I can trust Him.
And the lesson that I continue learning -- I am growing through the hard times....again. Thank you, God, for the hard times that help us grow. O.k., God, I think I am getting it but I still am not happy about Mom not being able to get in the water! But I know there will be things I never understand so I am trusting You! And I love you and adore you!
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