I was not sure if I would participate in Five Minute Friday today, but when I saw the word prompt, I knew that I would. Five Minute Friday is a blogging opportunity where a whole passel of bloggers gather around a single word prompt and write for Five Minutes, then fling their post out there on the WWW for the world to read. It is hosted by Kate Motaung over at her blog.
In the past seven days, my family and I have been GIVEn much love. As you know, if you have been visiting me here at the blog for more than a week, my precious Mother graduated to heaven on Sunday. Her passing was equal parts expected and unexpected~ at least from our perspective. From God’s perspective it was perfectly timed.
I like to GIVE. My time. My energy. My resources. I GIVE whenever I have the opportunity. But this week, we have been the recipients of a whole lotta GIVE from The Lord, and the body of Christ. Let me count just a few of the ways:
- A small-town hospital overflowing with caring, loving nurses, physicians and support staff who freely GIVE compassion and care to those walking a difficult road.
- Mother’s (and my) personal physician who tenderly, and with tears flowing down her face, told us that it was time to focus on keeping Mother comfortable until Jesus took her home.
- Aunts, uncles, and cousins who came to the ICU to say good-bye, and GIVE Mother, my sister, and me love and support.
- Friends who came to the ICU to simply sit with us, and GIVE us the gift of their presence. That is huge, friends. Huge.
- Our sweet worship leader and his fiancée who asked if she could GIVE a song around the bedside of my Mother. We sang ‘Victory in Jesus’.
- A high school friend, who is also a local surgeon, stood beside us and told us that we truly were honoring our Mother by GIVING her the gift of our presence in her last hours. He also assured us that we were making good and right decisions for her. A huge GIVE!
- The privilege of holding Mother’s hand as she drew her final breath here on this earth.
- Â Hugs and sweet words of love and encouragement from hundreds of people at the visitation and service.
- Friends who GIVE donations to our church’s youth ministry, and to the Gideon’s Memorial Bible program, in memory of Mother.
- Other friends who GIVE the gift of love and support through beautiful flowers and plants.
- The hope of seeing Mother again, because of her decision years ago to GIVE her heart to Jesus.
My heart is overflowing with all the blessings that have been GIVEN to us this past week.
Lord, Jesus, I thank you for all who GIVE your love, compassion, and support to us as we begin our journey without our Mother. I thank you that you freely GIVE blessings to your children. Help me be aware of those opportunities to GIVE to others who are hurting. I love you.
