Thursday, November 26, 2009

Approaching Our Cross in Thanksgiving


This morning at Mass, I was thinking of days of old. My 86 year old dad was sitting to my left, and my husband was sitting to my right. I snuggled next to my husband and looked over at my dad. It made my heart hurt. When I was small, I snuggled next to him during Mass. I am thankful, more than you can know, to have my dad still with me. But this morning I realized times change. When we're young we think things will be the same forever, and as we age we know it is not so. Sometimes though I think I'm in denial. I always look for my parents to be here, even though I see a hand trembling or eyesight failing. My heart wants to burst at the thought of losing them. Our Lord knows what a baby He has in me. :)

On the way back from receiving communion, I happened to glance at one of the Stations of the Cross. It was one of the times where Jesus fell. The cross was on his back, and the cross caught my eye. How thankful I am to Jesus for saving us. How thankful I am to Him for letting me know I don't carry my cross alone. How thankful I am to know when things change, no matter how heavy that cross is, He will be there to help me. When I stumble and feel I can no longer make a step, He will be beside me to lift me up. He is with us always, and for that alone we can be thankful.

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Lord when painful times seem too much to take, keep us close in love and safe. Amen

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Beautiful post. Hope you had a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

Anonymous said...

Such Loving thoughts. Thank you.

Heartfelt Heartlook said...

Thank you both for visiting. Blessings and hugs!!!

Elizabeth Mahlou said...

Yes, sometimes the changes are sad, yet sometimes the changes are good. Through both, we have God to help us and for both God deserves our gratitude.

Heartfelt Heartlook said...

Colleen and Elizabeth, thank you for visiting. I get such strength from you both!!! Hugs!

Judy Dudich said...

Thank you for these beautiful thoughts.
I am happy that you have your Dad still with you AND by your side in Church!
I know all too well these feelings you describe...my Dad is 81 and in grave health condition...I have seen him go from BIGGER THAN LIFE to...someone who needs help? Someone who needs care? Someone who can't mow his own lawn or bowl anymore? Who is THIS? MY DAD?!?!? How can that BE? We must remember that EVERY added moment is a BLESSING for us with them Heartfelt.
Thanks for reminding me of that.

Heartfelt Heartlook said...

Judy when I saw the part about no longer mowing the lawn, it really struck a chord. My Dad mows all the time. My Mom fusses about it. When you described what is happening with your Dad it really brought home what we all face. Thank you for stopping by. I've been neglecting the computer, but it has been kind of nice. Hugs and God's blessings to you and your family!