What’s On My Mind

Normally when I put a post on the blog, it deals with a singular subject.  Maybe a review of a book, an interesting video, something to do with #Hoosiernation or the like.  Today is a hodge-podge or random assortment of a couple of thoughts.  Basically, what’s been on my mind.

A huge part of what’s been consuming thoughts and conversations is my mother-in-law.  Last week my wife, along with her brother and father, had to make the difficult decision to put Cheryl’s mom in a care facility.  She has been struggling with the effects of Alzheimer’s/dementia.  It was a challenge for them to know the best way to care for her and address her issues of confusion about where she was and who she thought was with her.  A spot opened up in a very nice facility, but that lead to a whole host of emotions after they moved her in.  I don’t think any of us were ready for the flurry of loss and sadness that accompanied the decision and subsequent move.  There is a period of no contact for the family members as Cheryl’s mom adjusts to her new living space.  Needless to say it has been tough on them, but many friends have offered their love, care and support.  It has been one of those situations where I wish I had great wisdom and words of comfort to share and yet find myself lacking.

Over the weekend, my aunt (my mother’s sister-in-law) passed away unexpectedly.  We didn’t get together often with mom’s side of the family and, to be honest, I can’t be sure how many years it has been since I’ve seen them.  But, as my mom said on the phone, “It’s family,” so with her passing comes sadness.  On-line obituaries and guest books give an insight into the lives of people.  I feel for my family members who lost a wife, mother, grandma and friend.

In the midst of all that, I have been reminded that some day – maybe not today or tomorrow, but some day – we will be totally healed and restored.  Jesus will make all things new.  Sickness will be gone.  Death will be finally defeated.  Confusion will be banished.  Sadness will be no more.  I need that to be continually on my mind in the midst of life’s bumps and bruises.  It’s easy to become focused on the current struggle.  As we continue to press on, I need to know and cling to the truth that He will make all things new.