This meditation touched my heart today as my mom moved into skilled nursing care this weekend. Thank you, Jen, for making your writing available “for free.”
Thank you for this, Jen. I can relate but not because of an aging parent, but because of my work which is relentless in its demands. Relationships have been put on the back burner during this season and yet, God has given me the desire and favor to connect with my colleagues in unique ways. Sharing how you think about your limits has helped me and is a great encouragement to me.
Reading this reminds me that I am not the only one “watching out” for my sweet Mother. I told someone this weekend I don’t have the emotional or mental capacity to do something I have offered regularly in our faith community. I chose not to feel guilty about it because in this season I have a higher calling, to walk well with my Mom as she journeys home to her Savior. I am so very grateful we live in the same community, I have a dear sister that is walking well also, the staff in Mom’s memory care love and care for her so well, and my Mom loves Jesus and still talks about Him. Praying blessings on all those watching out today. 💜
Once again your words were so timely, I so resonate as you know I’m also “watching out” for my mom. Last week while I was at Spiritual Direction training in Denver 6 hr away, mom was hospitalized with pneumonia & RSV. My husband took over in ER and hospital so I could stay. With the disruption I was distracted but worked to stay present. Big theme taught that week, “everything is a gift.” Often think about what I learned from you about my givens, choosing to see that God has entrusted mom into my care. Often I need help. My husband, her friends and staff at assisted living. Mostly I need God continually reminding that staying present, whatever the day brings is really how I can best honor Him. Your writing ministers to my soul Jen.
Kathleen, the tension of those competing demands must have been so hard, but I'm so thankful to know your husband served you and your mother in this way! Blessings, friend.
This was a really lovely and perceptive post. I also look after my mom who is 92 and still living in her own home. A privilege, but yes, with some costs as well. Thank you.
You’re so wise to accept limits to your availability and attention. It’s important to filter out the things that are good but not mine to do—and it’s so challenging!
Thank you for this piece, for I'm in a similar situation. My parents have moved into an assisted living facility near my house, so I'm the first call they make when they need something. I know that being available for them is a priority for me. Yes, Psalm 90 is helpful.
It's really encouraging to hear of someone else neglecting good things to concentrate on the most important things in this season. It is hard but it is good.
So good, Jen. Thank you for reminding us of the blessings of being with our aging neighbors and God's heed that we number our days and be glad in His faithful love.
I so appreciated this! As a daughter who is caring for her elderly parents, it's sometimes hard to focus on the new opportunities. Thank you for the reminder!
I so appreciated this! As a daughter who is caring for her elderly parents, it's sometimes hard to focus on the new opportunities. Thank you for the reminder!
this is beautiful, Jen.
Thanks, friend!
"These are my mother’s people—and they’re mine, too."
What beauty. All of this. Thank you.
Thanks for reading, Leah!
This meditation touched my heart today as my mom moved into skilled nursing care this weekend. Thank you, Jen, for making your writing available “for free.”
May God be with you in this journey of waiting, watching, keeping close.
I love that your attention is focused right where it should be these days. I’m sure having a Rule of Life has helped you discern this. ❤️
SOOOO much. I'm so grateful for the clarity and commitment that I've gained in the practice.
Thank you for this, Jen. I can relate but not because of an aging parent, but because of my work which is relentless in its demands. Relationships have been put on the back burner during this season and yet, God has given me the desire and favor to connect with my colleagues in unique ways. Sharing how you think about your limits has helped me and is a great encouragement to me.
May that relational circle at work be ground for joy and faithfulness!
Reading this reminds me that I am not the only one “watching out” for my sweet Mother. I told someone this weekend I don’t have the emotional or mental capacity to do something I have offered regularly in our faith community. I chose not to feel guilty about it because in this season I have a higher calling, to walk well with my Mom as she journeys home to her Savior. I am so very grateful we live in the same community, I have a dear sister that is walking well also, the staff in Mom’s memory care love and care for her so well, and my Mom loves Jesus and still talks about Him. Praying blessings on all those watching out today. 💜
Praying with you!
Once again your words were so timely, I so resonate as you know I’m also “watching out” for my mom. Last week while I was at Spiritual Direction training in Denver 6 hr away, mom was hospitalized with pneumonia & RSV. My husband took over in ER and hospital so I could stay. With the disruption I was distracted but worked to stay present. Big theme taught that week, “everything is a gift.” Often think about what I learned from you about my givens, choosing to see that God has entrusted mom into my care. Often I need help. My husband, her friends and staff at assisted living. Mostly I need God continually reminding that staying present, whatever the day brings is really how I can best honor Him. Your writing ministers to my soul Jen.
Kathleen, the tension of those competing demands must have been so hard, but I'm so thankful to know your husband served you and your mother in this way! Blessings, friend.
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing your friends.
You might like to follow my friend’s blog, https://www.unchosenjourney.com/
He is a caregiver for his wife. Coincidently also in the Cincinnati area.
Thank you, Martha, for sharing this!
All of this! Thank you Jen, your words spoke to my heart 💛
God bless you!
This was a really lovely and perceptive post. I also look after my mom who is 92 and still living in her own home. A privilege, but yes, with some costs as well. Thank you.
How wonderful that she still has that much capacity to live on her own!
You’re so wise to accept limits to your availability and attention. It’s important to filter out the things that are good but not mine to do—and it’s so challenging!
So challenging! I still get caught in my unrealism to be sure!
Thank you for this piece, for I'm in a similar situation. My parents have moved into an assisted living facility near my house, so I'm the first call they make when they need something. I know that being available for them is a priority for me. Yes, Psalm 90 is helpful.
May God continue to teach you to number your days and theirs, that you might gain a heart of wisdom!
It's really encouraging to hear of someone else neglecting good things to concentrate on the most important things in this season. It is hard but it is good.
Yes, we can't do everything, and not everyone understands!
So good, Jen. Thank you for reminding us of the blessings of being with our aging neighbors and God's heed that we number our days and be glad in His faithful love.
I so appreciated this! As a daughter who is caring for her elderly parents, it's sometimes hard to focus on the new opportunities. Thank you for the reminder!
I so appreciated this! As a daughter who is caring for her elderly parents, it's sometimes hard to focus on the new opportunities. Thank you for the reminder!