II Corinthians 12:7-10

When my mother was in the last stages of Multiple Sclerosis, she used to call my Dad to her bedside.  “Pray for me.”  She would say, “I am so tired, I just want to go.”  My Daddy would pray for her, then he would try to lighten the mood.  He would tell her that her illness was helping her to lay up treasures in heaven.   That by her being sick, it was allowing others to do good deeds for her.  And by that, she was allowing God to work through her.  He would tell her, God even allowed the Apostle Paul to have a thorn in the flesh. 

II Corinthians 12: 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

With that she would reason, if God wanted her to have this disease, He would take care of her.  Just as Paul reasoned in

II Cor 12: 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

At this point in the conversation, my mama would tell Daddy “Then, go lay up some treasures in heaven & get me some ice cream!”

We never know what God has in store for our lives. However, we know where to turn when the storms of life get rough.  He is the one & only hope that we have.  During the holidays I miss my mama more than ever.  But I do find comfort in knowing what a strong faith she had. At this time of the year, let us remember, with thanksgiving & hope the wonderful blessings God has given us, no matter what our circumstances.  Christmas is a time of giving.  We should be mindful that the giving of ourselves, for the work of the Lord, is most important.

I have loved having you stop by & visit today.  Please come back again soon.  I have to be going now because I should be washing clothes…..