God has a plan...

I knelt in front of my aged mother, hugged and kissed her good-bye, and looking into her eyes, I said, Mother, God has a plan for you. She nodded and with tears, said, Yes.

On my way home, I thought about what I had said to this 90-year-old woman, who sits in a recliner most of the day.  Just what would that plan be? What does it look like? I don’t know. But here’s what I do know. I know she inspires and blesses me every time I visit with her. And I know she hasn’t stopped living. I know she has struggles, but she isn’t ready to quit.

Her pleasure when she eats food with texture, not pureed, is so evident in the smile on her face. Her determination when she grips the handle of the walker and pushes forward, refusing the easier wheelchair ride to the dining room. The firm grip of her hand and the smile in her eyes when you walk through the door. Reaching for my hand before she begins her lunch, inviting me to pray with her. Even her attempt at conversation; knowing it often doesn’t make sense, does not deter her from trying.

On Wednesday, I read her the story of Ruth, and as usual, she tried to talk about it with me. All she could say was, Naomi’s daughter… Yes, mother, Naomi’s daughter (in-law) went on to join the ranks of blessed women who were part of the lineage of King David and our Savior. Ruth brought her baby to her mother-in-law and she held him and blessed him. How many babies you (mother) have held—your children, your grandchildren and now great grandchildren. What a tremendous blessing you are in our lives.

What an incredible legacy she is passing on to me and to my children. Live life! Even when it doesn’t go the way you had planned, embrace who you are and live. I’m not trying to sugar-coat here. Mother gets sad and depressed, and yes, I’ve seen her angry. But that’s living…not dying. Surely she wants to be with Jesus in heaven, she has said as much. But she’s still here, and she still loves flowers, and she smiles at her grandchildren, she holds hands with her husband, and she sometimes weeps when I leave.

God has a plan. And I, for one, am glad to be included.

Nancy Perkins

10/11/12

This photo was taken on a trip I took with mother and daddy last 

year to New York City to the Brooklyn Tabernacle. 

We ate lunch at the at the Port Authority.