“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Proverbs 25:11

“Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters.” Proverbs 25:13

Without going into a lot of detail, a few things that sum up the last five years for me are the challenges, and sometimes heartache, I’ve faced while being an essential caregiver to my parents, especially during the pandemic years of lock down in their apartment at Woodland Hill. I consider it a privilege to have helped them and care for them. But it has come with its share of sacrifice as well, having moved them two times in three years and two more times for my mom after my father ended up in a nursing home and passed away a year ago. I never imagined a life change such as this for my parents. I don’t know what I expected but this was the plan that was laid out.

I can only use the word “trust” and that’s what I have put my faith in. God shows me every day what that means. Through times of weakness and many tears I’ve often been greatly blessed by the messengers God brings before me - my family, who are so amazing and supportive, and the friends who know just what to say, and who bring hugs and caring words. Or, maybe it’s a podcast I “happened” to listen to where the message is right on track with what I need to hear. Or maybe it’s the song we “happen” to be singing that week in New Song that is such a powerful reminder that God is there and guiding me through my life.

One day recently, I had one of those “messenger” moments with a friend who I “accidentally” bumped into at Target. She is someone I know only casually, as I see her walking quite often past our house and chat with her once-in-a-while. We started talking and she asked me how I was doing and I started telling her about my mom and the decisions I had to make. She was genuine and spoke with such loving support and compassion. We talked for a long while as the other shoppers moved around us. It was like we were alone in the midst of God’s love and strength. The emotion was welling up in my eyes and she hugged me. It was truly a God appointment! An angel.

I believe that the challenges and hard times only strengthen us, which is difficult at the time to understand, but always in hindsight seem so very true. So, I thank God for His wisdom in knowing the plan for my life and trust that with all my heart.

Prayer: Dear God, You are the almighty and sovereign. I humbly give You my life and I trust You with all my heart. Give me the wisdom to understand the path You’ve laid before me. It is with awesome gladness that I praise You. Thank You for the messengers you send that are such a blessing and bring hope when the road seems long. You are amazing God. Amen!