August 20 Prayer

As I sat on the seat bouncing around, I knew I had just given Grandma my last physical act of care. Sitting next to me in a wheelchair, Grandma and I were riding to her admission appointment at the nearby nursing facility. My beloved aunt, Grandma’s full-time caregiver, passed away suddenly days earlier. 

After nearly 25 years, I still remember that week as one of the busiest and craziest of my life. Most of my thoughts are a part of one long blur with lots of memories including: 

• Planning my aunt’s funeral
• Rotating shifts to stay with Grandma
• Finding friends to stay with her while we attended the funeral
• Talking to social workers to find a caring place for Grandma
• Casseroles and desserts overflowing the space of the table, countertop, and refrigerator 

There was so much completed during such a short time.

As the van continued bumping along, I started thinking about that morning spent with my grandma. Usually unaware of her surroundings, Grandma had a moment of clarity while I was giving her a final bath at home. 

She was so happy to see me. We hugged and held hands. Joked and laughed.

And then she asked about my aunt. Somehow, I shared the bad news. We cried together and held each other. 

I then told her where she was going to live, and she said she understood and told me again how much she loved me. And then she drifted back into her distant fog. 

She seemed to be more at peace.

Although almost out of place for the difficult events we had been through, riding along now, I also felt at peace. 

And I was grateful because at the very beginning of this sad trip home while waiting in the airport, I had no idea how I was going to get through this difficult journey. I was grief-stricken, anxious, and overwhelmed. 

So I prayed for the Lord’s strength to get myself (and all of my family) through this difficult time. I also humbly asked God to provide us with His peace.

And I knew He had answered my desperate prayers.

Psalms 29:11 reads, “The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.” (NLT).

Friends, we’ll have times at the top of the mountain, and we’ll have seasons in the mountain’s valley. 

Life is not without trials. But we are not alone – even when we’re in the valley. We have the Lord and can use His strength and peace to get us through.

My friend, know the Lord sees you and cares for you always. Whether you’re in a mountaintop season, or feeling lost in the valley, He will give you the strength and peace you need to get through.

Let’s pray together: