Several months ago, in a previous blog, I noted: “A caregiver to a dementia patient often finds the chasm between hope and hopelessness seemingly insurmountable — with no way over, around, or through in sight!” For me, the solution to this predicament is found in a simple principle: Two opposing cognitions cannot be held over time. In this case, either hope or hopelessness must go. When I choose to count my blessings, I am always amazed at how quickly hopelessness gives way to hope. In today’s blog, I will share how two birthday parties, a winking pumpkin, and my awareness of standing on the edge of eternity assisted me in finding renewal of hope.
Two Birthday Parties
In the past four months, both of our great-grandchildren have celebrated their second birthdays. Fortunately, I was able to attend both events. Even though the locations, parents and grandparents were different, I was struck by the similarities. Kona, my great-grandson, and Emory, my great-granddaughter were the center of attention. As would be expected, each being a first child, they received an abundance of gifts, were doted on by everyone present, and by demeanor sent out an easily decipherable message, “I am worth it!”
Obviously, Linda was not able to attend; however, at each party, I remembered the specific role she played in the celebration. After retiring from the pastorate in 2012, she and I had six years to prepare for the time when she would become a resident at Legacy Village. A significant amount of that time was spent in developing a more intimate relationship with Christ, defining the core values of our lives, and prayerfully interceding for our children, grandchildren, and descendants who were yet to be born.
A Winking Pumpkin
When I visit Linda, she is fond of giving me a special gift. Sometimes, it is the opportunity to hold one of her baby dolls. At other times, she may show me a picture in her room or hand me a brightly colored pillow she has “borrowed” from the main living area. Regardless, I am always aware it represents the best she has to offer. In the picture accompanying this blog, she is sharing for all to see a special gift received from a friend of many years. Hand painted with love, the significance is very important: Linda always looked forward to fall and the bright colors which could be enjoyed before the cold of winter began.
Strangely, even though I have never been into painted pumpkins, I have taken a liking for this cute little number with the mischievous wink. Perhaps, it is because she was privy, while sitting on Linda’s dresser, to witness a precious gift Linda gave me last Tuesday. In the midst of a week filled with pacing the halls, stopping to clean table tops, picking up pillows and carefully placing them in new locations along the way, there was a momentary lifting of the fog. During our daily walk, she looked up at me and said, “I love you,” held my arm more tightly, and leaned her head against my shoulder. Back in her room, she again said, “I love you.” Overwhelmed with curiosity, I asked her, “Do you know who I am?” Surprisingly, she said, “Yes.” I followed up with, “Who?” She said, “My husband.”
The Edge of Eternity
Very aware we are now standing on the edge of eternity, Linda and I often sing about that reality; despair is never a part of the equation. In nearly six decades of active ministry, I cannot count the number of times I have read, usually with Linda nearby, Paul’s description of the coming of the Lord to a grieving family at the graveside of a loved one:
Beloved brothers and sisters, we want you to be quite certain about the truth concerning those who have passed away, so that you won’t be overwhelmed with grief like many others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who died while believing in him.This is the word of the Lord: we who are alive in him and remain until the Lord appears will by no means have an advantage over those who have already died, for both will rise together.
For the Lord himself will appear with the declaration of victory, the shout of an archangel, and the trumpet blast of God. He will descend from the heavenly realm and command those who are dead in Christ to rise first. Then we who are alive will join them, transported together in clouds to have an encounter with the Lord in the air, and we will be forever joined with the Lord. So encourage one another with these truths (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 TPT).
Ron Harvard Ministries 