Good morning,
How is March already here? I have been traveling most of January and February this winter and it seems the time is passing so quickly. As I think back over all the fun places and people, my heart is full with memories of love, laughs, and great conversations. Being gone meant I only saw my dad a few times. He is settled in the nursing home and he is in a wheelchair full-time. The great thing about him is you get to see what is in his heart!
When I first see my Dad and call his name his eyes light up, he smiles big, and says, “Hi honey, I am so glad to see you!” We talk awhile by the birds or we go into a Bible study they are having. He usually dozes off for a few minutes and then if I nudge him to talk about something he sees me again and his eyes light up, he smiles big, and he says, “Hi honey, I am so glad to see you!” It makes me laugh and say the same thing back! You see he only lives in the present. My sister Barb put him in the car, drove to get a hamburger and see the pretty snowy day. Dad loves to eat so they talked about how good his burger was. She brought him back after about an hour and then left. My mom came ten minutes later and asked my dad if anyone had been by to see him and he said in a lovely voice, “No, just you!” It is not sad to us because we know how much he enjoys each and every encounter.
My dad spent his life loving people, parties, his work, and mostly his friend Jesus. He had several head injuries as a boxer in college and a couple car accidents. He has dementia and can’t take care of himself but it comes through so clearly his heart has been protected and what he spent years putting in is coming out!
We are only promised today so let’s be present! Let’s start the day with a prayer, instead of worries or anxiety, with a thank you at the end. Let’s remember what being a Christian means: We believe Jesus is the Son of God sent to be our Lord and Savior! That is what we will be judged on!!! Our belief in who Jesus is.
My friend posted this poem. I love it and want to share it with you!
I am a Christian
When I say that “I am a Christian,” I am not shouting that “I am clean living .” I’m whispering “I was lost, but now I’m found and forgiven.”
When I say “I am a Christian,” I don’t speak of this with pride. I’m confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say “I am a Christian,” I’m not try to be strong. I’m professing that I’m weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say “I am a Christian,” I’m not bragging of success. I’m admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say “I am a Christian,” I’m not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.
When I say “I am a Christian,” I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say “I am a Christian,” I’m not holier than thou. I’m just a simple sinner who received God’s good grace, somehow!
Love you, Teri