I have never met anyone who enjoyed waiting. Yet, in our walk with God, we are required to spend large amounts of our life doing exactly that. He has chosen, through the discipline of waiting, to teach us about his great love and provision:

He gives strength to the weary,
And to the one who lacks might He increases power.
Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary (Isaiah 40:29-31 NASB).

Each time I think I have finally mastered this discipline, a new opportunity to stumble comes along. My latest test, an amazing breakthrough, and a wonderful answer to prayer all took place this week.

My Latest Test

Tuesday was an interesting day: 

• According to my calendar, I was supposed to visit Linda at 1:15 pm; however, when I arrived, I discovered that I had missed my appointment, which was scheduled for 12:30 pm. After rescheduling for 5:45 pm, I left very frustrated that my plans had gone awry. Before leaving the parking lot, I heard a very clear prompting from the Holy Spirit: … “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 NIV).

• After my rescheduled visit, I recorded: “Several times recently, before the end of our time together, she has become restless and stood up to go. I have always assured her that it was okay and promised I would come the next day. Today was different: She stood by the chair near the Plexiglas screen and responded to my expressions of love by brightly smiling and throwing me a kiss. Slowly moving away, she stopped several times and looked back at me. Continuing to be the nurturer, but unable to express her feelings, she was sending a message that she needed to go take care of her babies, but did not want to leave me alone.” 

An Amazing Breakthrough

God was not through with Tuesday:

• After waiting all day to see Linda and looking forward to what God’s “ALL THINGS” were going to be, I returned to my car somewhat confused. Near the end of our visit, her expressions to me were precious; however, our time together had been very short. I sat there trying to make sense of it all: My morning visit had to be rescheduled and tonight’s visit was truncated. In the next hour, God was about to teach me another great lesson.

• While driving, I often listen to Moody Radio. As I started my car, the preset station came on. Janet Parshall was beginning an interview with Jonathon Pitts, author of My Wynter Season: Seeing God’s Faithfulness in the Shadow of Grief. He very candidly told how he unexpectedly lost his wife of 15 years, leaving him as a single father of four grieving daughters. In the morning, on the day of her death, he shared how he had received an email devotion, Do You Have an Exit Strategy? and decided not to read it. That night, he read it and found a wonderful description of surrendering to death. God knew I needed to hear his story. In recent weeks, I have repeatedly told him that in order to focus on Linda’s gain and not my loss, I must have a fresh vision of Heaven. God’s timing is perfect! 

A Wonderful Answer to Prayer

Wednesday brought good news for the rest of the week:

• An additional X-Ray revealed that even though some gas is left in the colon, the Ileus has resolved. Therefore, Linda will continue on a soft diet for three days and start a limited regular diet on Saturday. At this point, she may not have further issues. It is a wait and see proposition.

• Throughout our long journey through a series of unknowns, Linda’s doctors have stressed the brain controls everything. Just as evidence of the progression of Alzheimer’s is now seen in her speech and memory, ultimately all systems will be affected. I choose not to allow this reality to diminish the impact of the momentary good news at hand. God  loves her even more than I do, and for now, she will once again be able to eat nutritious and delicious food.

My conclusion to last week’s blog is worth repeating:

• Linda’s home going could take place in weeks, months or years. Her journey through Alzheimer’s has never been predictable.

• I must continue to put into practice that which I have taught others: “Follow with your heart as your loved one teaches you how to walk victoriously through the long goodbye.”