God's Purpose and Plan
Staying focused on the reason we celebrate Christmas in the midst of chaos has truly been a struggle for me this year. My mother died in 2007 and a little over a year and a half ago my husband and I made the decision to move my father in with us, after the realization that he was becoming more confused as time went on and unable to take care of himself without assistance. Soon after that, came the diagnosis of dementia.
The heartbreak of watching what used to be a happy, loving, kindhearted, confident and intelligent man turn into a fearful, worrying, confused and afraid man has been a challenge. Some days are better than others, but the fact remains, he will never be the father that I’ve known and loved all of my life again.
Now that you've read that, you might be wondering, “why does God allow people to go through such difficulty?” This has been my experience. Shortly after Dad's moving in with us, I had the honor of leading him to the Lord, (something my mother had worked on for years) the next Sunday he went forward in church, and soon after was baptized. This situation has strengthened our family, made my husband and I more patient, understanding and forgiving. brought me to a new understanding of who and why I am the person I am. It's also shown me what I, my husband and our family need to change to be in a better relationship with God. In the midst of all this, God has blessed us with the most wonderful and caring church family, who's kindness and support surpasses anything that I have ever experienced in my lifetime. What a precious and glorious gift from God.
Colossians 2: 2 – 6 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodiea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him.
Nann C.
The heartbreak of watching what used to be a happy, loving, kindhearted, confident and intelligent man turn into a fearful, worrying, confused and afraid man has been a challenge. Some days are better than others, but the fact remains, he will never be the father that I’ve known and loved all of my life again.
Now that you've read that, you might be wondering, “why does God allow people to go through such difficulty?” This has been my experience. Shortly after Dad's moving in with us, I had the honor of leading him to the Lord, (something my mother had worked on for years) the next Sunday he went forward in church, and soon after was baptized. This situation has strengthened our family, made my husband and I more patient, understanding and forgiving. brought me to a new understanding of who and why I am the person I am. It's also shown me what I, my husband and our family need to change to be in a better relationship with God. In the midst of all this, God has blessed us with the most wonderful and caring church family, who's kindness and support surpasses anything that I have ever experienced in my lifetime. What a precious and glorious gift from God.
Colossians 2: 2 – 6 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodiea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him.
Nann C.