“For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.”—2 Corinthians 5:1 (NLT)
Reading 2 Corinthians 5:1 comforts me. Scripture tells us when our earthly bodies perish, we have an eternal home where our bodies are made new by God Himself. I think about my mom. Her Alzheimer’s has really progressed the past few months.
When I tell you my mother used to dress to the nines, I am not exaggerating. She wouldn’t EVER leave the house without a full face of make-up, her hair done and a put together outfit. From her earrings down to her shoes, she was perfectly matched.
Her once spry body that she dressed impeccably from head to toe is now hunched over hobbling behind her walker in mismatched clothes, no makeup and bed head. She would be mortified at how she looks right now. I know she would not want to be living like this. It is hard to watch.
At her 87th birthday gathering on January 18th, she couldn’t even stay awake. We had hired a singer to entertain in memory care. A special treat for all of them for a Sunday afternoon. Music used to be one thing which engaged my mother. Occasionally, she was tapping her feet with her eyes closed, but had no interest in trying to dance like she did last year.
A totally different person from her 86th to 87th birthday. Because of her arthritic knee, she has also been falling. Her knee is bone-on-bone. We don’t know how she can even walk on it, but she does. Knee replacement surgery isn’t an option. Not only would she not understand the recovery, but any anesthesia progresses the disease even more.
This week a hospital bed and wheelchair were delivered to her room. With my brother’s new job entailing more travel for him, I will more than likely be going to check on her more than the once a month I had been doing. I pray for some lucid moments with her as well as for my brother and his wife as they navigate this stage of her dementia.
I want to be able to pray God’s peace over her. Maybe God gave me 2 Corinthians 5:1 as a scripture for me to pray for her? Could sharing this scripture with her give her the same peace it is giving me? Will she be able to envision her mind and body healed in heaven? That is my prayer for her.
Assuming I too live into my 80’s, I am in the last quarter of my life….maybe less. This is quite a sobering thought. Which convicts me….am I living with an urgency to reach lost souls with my limited time here? My verse I will focus on for the month of February is; “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”—Luke 19:10 (NLT) More on that next week!
Father God,
Thank You that one day our broken earthly bodies will be made new by You in our eternal home. Your Word tells us our life here is temporary. For those fearful of dying, may they find peace and hope in Your Son, Jesus. This life here on earth is not the end for those who believe in You. I lift those up that are caring for an elderly parent, spouse or loved one with dementia. May You give them wisdom in navigating the unknown as well as strength and perseverance during these trying times. I pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
February Verse
“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”—Luke 19:10 (NLT)
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