This day

We spent the day yesterday with my mom and dad. My dad has dementia. Many, many times in the past months, my interactions with dad have been looks of confusion. Not remembering who we are, to asking to go home (he is home). It is hard on my mom who is the main caretaker. It is hard on me to not be closer. Yesterday, though, was fascinating.

I asked my dad to play bridge. He taught me how to play year ago and I’m not great. However, my son, Noah was also taught. We have so many great memories of playing all together. There was the time that Noah stacked the deck for my dad and mom. They kept furtively glancing, so excited. They never had a hand like this!

Anyway, my dad said yes. My mom was shocked and nervous. He was much slower than our games before. He remembered how to play, He was cheeky and bold. It was truly a lovely moment.

I’m not a great photographer of the moment. I should have taken a picture. Our family get togethers have not had a lot of moments like this lately. Maybe that is the same for you. Maybe there haven’t been a lot of picture perfect moments.

“My soul continually remembers them And is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, Therefore I have hope.”
‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭AMP‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1588/lam.3.20-21.AMP

It is very easy for us to remember the hard. Remember the pain. In fact, my memories can play tricks on me. I can think I am remembering accurately an event that has occurred. How I thought the Lord didn’t answer how I wanted, or move the way I thought. I thought I was being faithful and stepping out. Yet, my inner dialogue was, if I do this, Lord, then you need to do that.

Just as the writer in Lamentations wrote, I remember the mud. A lot. What I miss is the Lord wanted to teach me something completely different that I did not hold onto. Sorta like the serpent saying to Eve, did God really say that? Oh it is so easy to stay in what I think I learned.

So, it’s time to replace this memory with the truth from God’s word. Instead, I call this to mind. I have hope.

“It is because of the Lord’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, Because His [tender] compassions never fail. [Mal 3:6]”
‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬ ‭AMP‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1588/lam.3.22.AMP

The Lord’s lovingkindness has kept us from being consumed. Consumed by what? Pain, circumstance, fear, you name it for you. His lovingkindness was with me in every situation. His tender compassions never stop. They won’t end. Jeremiah has spent this whole chapter in Lamentations recalling the pain.

I need to do that. I need to remember my past with truth as my anchor. Even if the next time I see dad, it won’t be as great a day. My God is still faithful. And I set my mind.

“They are new every morning; Great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness. [Is 33:2] “The Lord is my portion and my inheritance,” says my soul; “Therefore I have hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him.” [Num 18:20]”
‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭AMP‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1588/lam.3.23-24.AMP

I woke up this morning. God’s faithfulness has brought me here. He carries my mom and dad. He carries my family. He carries you. No matter how circumstances appear. His faithfulness is still here.

“ If you are all I have I know that I will find that you are all I need in you, I’m satisfied.” Chris Tomlin, Satisfied

“The Lord is good to those who wait [confidently] for Him, To those who seek Him [on the authority of God’s word]. It is good that one waits quietly For the salvation of the Lord.”
‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭AMP‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1588/lam.3.25-26.AMP

So, if you decide to venture onto social media and you begin to compare or contrast with the scroll of pictures of a moment in time, remember. The Lord is good to you. Wait on Him. Seek Him through His word, not your memories or words. Wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord today.

No matter what today holds for you. His deliverance is here.