A Simple Birthday!
August 25, 2022
A Simple Birthday!
Last Sunday was my mother’s 91st birthday.
My mother lives with the illness called Alzheimer’s. It is a disease that continues to diminish cognitive clarity as well as disrupts the brain’s signals to parts of the body so there are a growing number of physical limitations.
Persons living with Alzheimer’s go away a little at a time. It is a disease that causes family members to laugh and cry and wonder why. It is a disease with no fixes and no answers. It is a disease that steals memories, steals coordination, and steals loved ones.
But, last Sunday was my mother’s 91st birthday. So, we celebrated. On Saturday afternoon, we decided to call all the family and invite them to join my mother at the place where she lives. All of us were there except one of my mother’s grandsons.
It was a simple party with a small (but very rich!) chocolate cake, some coffee, and some citrus flavored water. And, we sang, “Happy Birthday!”
My mother did not know everyone’s names. In fact, I am not sure she even recognized some of the family who gathered around her. It was happy and a little sad.
Then, there was a moment. My mother saw her two-year-old great-grandson. Her eyes lit up, she smiled a big smile, and then she reached out her hands and clapped and clapped and clapped. She was celebrating the life and love of a great-grandson. In that moment, her heart was filled with great joy.
My mother’s joy spilled over into me and a few others who were near enough to see what was happening. It was good to see my mother’s heart and face overflow with joy.
Sometimes our lives are not easy. Sometimes things and people that are important seem to slip away. Sometimes the purpose of life seems unclear and joy seems distant. And then, the Holy Spirit gives us a glimpse of hope and joy and love.
The Psalmist understands. In Psalm 40:2-3 he prays; “He (the Lord God) drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.”
Even when it feels as if I am sinking lower and lower into a dark and difficult place, the Lord takes me by the hand and leads me through the shadows and the sadness. The Lord leads me by the hand through the loneliness and the fear. The Lord leads me by the hand through the weakness and the doubt.
The Lord draws me up and out. The Lord makes my steps secure and strong. The Lord transforms my tears into a song of praise and joy.
Last Sunday we celebrated my mother’s birthday with a simple party. It was a special moment in the midst of a long and difficult journey with Alzheimer’s. The Lord filled our hearts with joy and praise and delight. I am grateful!
I imagine you know someone who is somewhere on a long and difficult journey. There may be sadness and doubt and maybe even fear. They need the Lord and they need you. Sit down with them for awhile and let them know again you love for them.
And then, share a bit of good news; the Lord God will transform their tears into a song of praise and joy. When you share a word of encouragement that the Lord will deliver them, their heart and your heart will be filled with delight.
Take Delight In The Lord!
Doug
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