Treasure the Moment You Are In

Many of you know that my eighty-eight year old mother lives with my husband and me.  If you would like to know a little about her, and our life together, here is the link of a past blog I wrote about her.

When my mom first came to live with us, (eleven years ago) she was walking with a cane.  She got around pretty well, able to shop with me, walk unaided around the house, go outside, etc.  That progressed to her using a walker.  In the last year, her walking has become much more labored, and her shortness of breath has increased with any exertion or activity at all.

A week ago, she experienced a very scary breathing episode, that led her to be admitted into the hospital and then to rehab.  When she was first admitted, she was extremely weak and very afraid for her life.

After a very stressful week for her and us, we are very happy, because due to medication, oxygen treatment, and physical/occupational therapy, she is more energized and is responding well and regaining some strength.  It is her hope, and ours, that she is able to do the simple things that she was doing a little over a month ago.  The basic things…like walking with her walker to the bathroom, being able to join us at the dinner table, or to watch a movie or go out for dinner as a family.  These simple things are our prayer for her.

I have learned so many things through this experience with her.  The main thing that keeps going through my mind is how many times Mom was so upset that she wasn’t able to do some of the things other people her age were doing.  I tried to reassure her, and reminded her to not compare herself and what she is capable of, with others.  That she should focus on what she is blessed with, and what she still CAN do, instead of her limitations.

We all tend to do that at times…not fully appreciating or acknowledging the blessings, and focusing on what we feel is lacking.

All that my mother is focusing on right now is the hope that she will once again enjoy a “normal” day.   That she will not be bedbound…that she is able to breathe normally, and get around “a little.”

“Treasure the moment you are in.”  I opened my notebook this morning that I am keeping about my mom’s hospital/rehab stay, and those words jumped out at me.  When I attended a Woman’s Conference, a few months ago, I jotted that thought down.

“Treasure the moment you are in.”  So appropriate for me to think about at this time.

What moments will you treasure?

For me, those moments are my “normal” day…the little things that often go unnoticed or taken for granted.  Those are the moments that we will learn are the true blessings that we all have received from our heavenly father.  Some of those blessings are the same for most of us, some are unique.

 

Some of the moments I am thankful for in my life, and will savor as treasures:

Having my husband next to me, being the last face I see before I go to sleep at night, and the first face I see when I wake up.

All of the people in my life…my family, friends, and all those that God places in my daily life.  To appreciate all they are to me, and all that I can be to them.

Waking up in a comfy bed, in our cozy home, and having a hot shower or bath to enjoy.

Being able to enjoy a cup of coffee and breakfast with my husband, each day as we commute to work together.  Even going a step further – to simply be physically able to eat and drink.

Feeling the warm summer air on my skin, and taking in the beauty of nature in what I see and hear.

Having a job that helps to attend to our basic needs, and also allows us some of the little pleasures that we enjoy together.

The ability to breathe…to just be.  To enjoy the world, and the presence of God, through my senses –  being able to see, hear, taste, smell, feel.  To be able to walk, and do the things I need or desire to do.

When I am totally aware that none of us are alone.  God is with us at all times, and when we stop to listen, He is always right there with us, all around us.  He is our strength, our heart, our soul…he is the reason we exist.  His love flows around us, in us, and through us.

Treasure the moment you are in…it is a blessing and will work toward good through God that loves you more than you can fathom!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What are You Hanging On To?

God sure has his ways of gently reminding me and teaching me what is truly important in this world.

For about a week, my eyes have been really bothering me.  Itching, burning, feeling like something is in them…just plain painful and uncomfortable.  I started to use artificial tears which help a little, and I am making an eye doctor appointment to have my eyes checked out.

Whenever I have symptoms of any kind, I can’t help myself…I start to look for things that may have caused the issue.  It could be a different cleaning product, cosmetic or personal care item, food, medicine, or drink.  My mind started to think of things I’ve changed about a week ago.

When I remembered what changed a week ago, my heart tugged at me.  I knew exactly what it was, and I didn’t want to face the possibility that I would need to live without this thing in my life.

There are many things that I have hung onto in my heart, which bring me comfort and help me to feel grounded.  Sentimental things that I have trouble letting go.  For some reason, having these things in my possession or in my home, give me a feeling of connection  with my past.  My childhood and  growing up years.  Just while writing this, I realize that this thing has been a constant in my life…it was there from when I was a small child, remained in my parents’ home while growing up and moving out.  Then these things were given to my sister and brother in law, and were displayed beautifully in their home.

About a month or so ago, this beautiful set of Great Books that my dad had treasured, was passed on to me.  They sat in my garage, until I brought them into my home about a week ago.  Thinking back now, I remember how my eyes stung as I dusted them off – I ignored it.  When I finally had the entire set in my living room, I actually felt my dad’s presence.  Thinking about them now brings tears to my eyes.

I was so excited that I now had possession of these books…this treasure of times past.  All I could think about was choosing the perfect bookcase  that would honor them in our home.

As soon as I figured out that the books and the dust mites attached to them (the books are over 50 years old) were probably the culprits, I knew the books had to go.  Without hesitation, I packed them away in boxes and took them downstairs to be dealt with later.

It’s now a day later and my eyes already feel better.

So, you may ask what I have learned from all this.

I have learned that sometimes we hang on to the past as an excuse not to move forward.  We hang on to what was or the self-created illusion of what was.  Without realizing it, we give so much power to certain events in life, that we box ourselves in…we imprison ourselves.  As we cling to what we feel we cannot live without, those strongholds are hurting us in ways we do not understand.

As I carried those cherished  books downstairs, and realized that I probably will need to part with them, I felt sad and a little panicked.  Then a new feeling started to well up in my heart, and I never felt this feeling before.

It was a feeling of freedom.  Freedom from the past, and also the freedom to move on.  The freedom to become the person the Lord has created me to be, and to live the life he is blessing me with.

Thank you, Lord, for always  touching my heart and teaching me  in such loving, gentle ways.  Help me to always be open to your guidance and your will.  Most of all,  please overflow my heart  with your love and peace, and help me to share that love with hearts in need of You.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  Matthew 6:21