This week’s conversation with my sister was about the current health of our mama. We both believe it is time to intervene as caregivers rather than daughters. The status quo of my 88 year old mama’s life is going to change as she transitions into moving from the home she and my daddy shared.

The aging process can be brutal and when the body begins to fail, though the mind is strong, it’s even more heartbreaking. The decision being made is for my mom to move in with my husband and me. She will keep her current home but it will be in ‘hibernation’ mode much like it was when her and my daddy traveled to Florida for the winter months. Sadly, she won’t be locking the doors to return at a later date. My mama knows her days are numbered with the foreknowledge her body is failing with age.

It is changing the status quo of her life, not only her life, but that of the family who deeply loves her. The normal is no longer normal, the life that once felt secure and solid is now shaken in ways that none of us will comprehend until it happens to us.

That cancer diagnosis, the spouse who announces they are leaving, the unexpected job loss, the addiction that leaves a path of destruction. Disabilities, issues with aging, lack of family support…the changes we face in this life often leave us drained, exhausted and disabled in both body and spirit.

Where and to whom do we turn?

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” Psalm 46:1-3

“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27

The story I share about my mom isn’t just a change in her ‘status quo’. It is also a change in the life of me and my husband.  Though my mama, at this point, is rather self-sufficient, we are evolving into a caregiver mode; but that’s O.K.

Planning for change

When we built our current home it was designed to accommodate possible life’s changes. Most importantly, it was designed knowing my mama might one day require assistance and we wanted her to be close to family who could offer care as needed. In our case, we were afforded the opportunity to plan for change, but it usually doesn’t happen that way.

A community member recently diagnosed with cancer didn’t have the chance to plan. The family is ‘winging’ it as they rely on the blessings and donations of others to help them with interruptions to their once ‘status quo’ life.

Friends, the ‘status quo’ of your live can change in a heartbeat. Your child dies; your doctor gives you an untreatable diagnosis, your mammogram comes back positive, that child you are carrying will be still-born. The list is endless because we live in an imperfect world.

And then…

There is Jesus; the author and finisher of life. YES, you read that right. Jesus is woven in every fiber of your life whether you acknowledge it or not. Quite honestly, you don’t have a choice. As your creator, he designed and fabricated every part of your existence to lead you to His mercy seat and throne of grace. He wants to help, He wants to be your refuge and strength when faced with life’s status quo changes; but, we must be willing to listen.

Is your norm no longer normal? Did something change your status quo? Is your sky darkened? Are you filled with loneliness? Then come to Jesus. He is our only sanctuary when overwhelmed because our once status quo life is overpowered with uncertainty.

TODAY’S PRAYER

COME TO JESUS (lyrics by Chris Rice)
https://youtu.be/PANiveIKVX0

Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

Now your burden’s lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!

And like a newborn baby
Don’t be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall, so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can’t contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory’s side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!