You never know how the Lord is going to orchestrate your life from one week to another. Last week, I nervously awaited a Doctor's consult on my Mom's recent weight loss. It is terrible waiting, praying, begging, proclaiming that all things are well. We are still waiting but instead of being nervous or anxious, God allowed my Mom and me to go on a two-day getaway. This was a very special trip. We were going to a Recommitment Service of one of my oldest friends. She and her husband were celebrating eighteen years of marriage and my Mom and I wouldn't have miss it. So the trip was very important. But my Mom is 86 years old. She is not as spry as she used to be. And many times she gets confused. She has to use the assistance of a walker and sometimes she even calls me Brittany. Even when she is confused or she can't remember a certain fact, I get concerned. She is my Mommy and as times passes, I often think about the future and the possibility of life without her. I am determined that age it isn't going to hinder her. While she is young at heart, I want her to enjoy life. I call her my baby and she is. I ask her, "Moma, do you think I treat you like a baby?" She just smiles and says, "No, you just love me." So, I had the luggage, my tote, her tote, my computer, snacks, her purse, napkins, her jacket, her coffee and the BoJangles sausage biscuits. We were ready and the walker was on the back seat.
On this trip, like so many others, we had the best time talking about marriage, our husbands, the children, church and her favorite, the local foliage. Mom is a plant and tree freak (I say that respectfully, of course!) and it is nothing for her to talk a hour about wild flowers and native trees that line the highway. But when we are in the car for hours, (this trip was six!), traveling can be hard. But I am so grateful! There I was, with my Mom, reminiscing about my childhood days, the antics of me and my childhood friends and the importance of family. She was giving me wise counsel on raising my own children, the importance of being a good wife, and the importance of good music in the church. Somewhere between Raleigh and Clayton, I couldn't help but get misty. She was talking and talking, and in my heart, I was so full. I was blessed to have her impart into my life. She wasn't going to let age stop her from being my Mom. No, she shared and I listened. "Yes, Mam," "Uh-huh" and "Okay" were my replies and for a split second I thought about her not being around forever. What would life be like without her as a sounding board in my life? Moments like these are so precious.
As we traveled this weekend, God gave me a special gift; a forty-eight hour girl's getaway. Times past, I thought a two-day girl's getaway would be hanging out at the local spa, with massage, spa lunch and shopping. But God let me see how wonderful it is to be able to travel with your mother, even when she is 86 years old and on a walker. I will treasure every memory and each conversation. The look of excitement that crossed her face, as we entered a small town where she had never been. The joy of seeing my old friends and Mom being able to recall things that happened to us thirty-five years ago. Most importantly, to be able to share with my Mom the joy and tears of a old friend who is so much in love she cried throughout her own recommitment ceremony - even after eighteen years of marriage. It was a beautiful weekend and I didn't think of that Doctor's appointment once.
Blessings,
Melodie
Why Big Shoes?
Because each day God requires us to walk in obedience, no matter how hard or long the journey. We need to walk in those shoes with boldness, confidence and courage. Everyone needs spiritual "Big Shoes" that will take them to new levels of spiritual impartation and revelation. I've learned, the hardest thing is we need the strength to put them on each day. And that takes faith. Who wants to walk in "Big Shoes" when you have been hurt or betrayed? Who has the courage to walk in "Big Shoes" when fear has your spirit gripped so tight you refuse to trust God to take you through your darkest days? The amazing thing is when you put on those "Big Shoes", the struggle doesn't seem so hard. God and His Holy Spirit carries you through the toughest journeys - even when you think you are walking alone. As you walk, the heaviness of the struggle doesn't seem to weigh you down as much. You force yourself to take one step at a time, pressing, pushing your way through every obstacle that rises up against you.
There is no need to try to do it all yourself when God is there to lead you to still waters and those luscious green pastures. No, walking in Big Shoes, simply means you have the courage to shout out to God, "I can't do this without you". Before you know it, you are at the place He wants you to be, encouraged, empowered, enabled to move forward in faith, confidence and trust.
There is no need to try to do it all yourself when God is there to lead you to still waters and those luscious green pastures. No, walking in Big Shoes, simply means you have the courage to shout out to God, "I can't do this without you". Before you know it, you are at the place He wants you to be, encouraged, empowered, enabled to move forward in faith, confidence and trust.
