In June of 2012, my father-in-law passed away. We were renting a beautiful home on a twenty acre flower farm co-owned by my oldest son. I was very happy there but our plans changed. With the passing of Doug’s dad, his mom who is legally blind needed help. There was never a question in my husband’s mind but I had plenty of concerns about the plan that involved us giving up our home and privacy. This post is for One- Word Wednesday. The word is PLAN.
We have been here two years and I wonder what God’s plan is for me. I work outside of the home, my husband and his sister are the primary caregivers. My mother-in-law is fiercely independent despite her vision. She has had some health concerns this year and this has really impacted her life. She never planned to be on oxygen despite her smoking for over sixty years. She never planned to have anyone in her home but had to change her plans do to the death of her husband.
I am a nurse so I am a care giver by nature and by training. I am compassionate. As a nurse in the hospital, I plan for the patient’s discharge from the hospital. Of course the plan is a team effort. Sometimes we plan for weeks and other times we find there is a need and so we come up with a plan for a safe discharge.
PLAN= Purpose, Laughter, Adherence, Needs. My plan in life is to follow God’s purpose for my life. Laughter is the best medicine when your plan goes awry. For most older people, if the plan is not followed with strict adherence stress enters the situation. Needs are met when the plan is followed.
Father God, at this time in my life your plan is for us to be here with his mom. I have questioned this plan at times but I know in Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Fill my life with ways to show my mother-in-law that you love her and let us not forget to laugh with the good times. I know there are rules that I struggle adhering to but I do not want to cause stress for her. Keep her dignity in place as we try to meet her needs at this time of her life. Lord this was not on my radar but as I seek to follow you I wand to be in your will. There is no evidence that this is not your plan for me, so I ask for your grace and mercy as we provide the care for her. I pray for my husband that he will endure as we run the race according to your plan. I pray that we will be a blessing to his mom.
If you are a caregiver and things are strained remember that God is in control. Blessings Diana
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