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Lent for 2011 began last Wednesday and I've been blessed to find others, as well as SandwichINK, with delightful and thought-provoking devotions and music for Lent. These are such a blessing to all of us, including those of us in the Sandwich Generation, to prepare our hearts over the next 40 days. As I wrote on Wednesday, I'll be focusing my Word-Filled Wednesdays on combining encouraging Bible verses with cute country clipart as a way of sharing the meaning of the season with our children and grandchildren, as well as ourselves.
Today, I'm continuing on with simple Scripture prayers, and found one that is definitely apt for Lent meditations. As those who are actively involved in caring for the elderly parents in our families, we are often faced with having to make choices that aren't what we'd like to make. Some caregivers have had to give up jobs or take a leave of absence to care for a critically ill parent. Others have opened up their homes to their senior parents, sometimes at great personal sacrifice. Vacation plans may be put on hold. Our own health can be compromised as we diligently help our beloveds. Caring for our senior parents is definitely challenging, and adding major sacrifices can add an extra level of frustration to the situation.
But, as this season of Lent reminds us, all of life can include sacrifices, not just for caregivers. And I've found that when I remind myself that
"You are not your own…For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
it helps me adjust my heart attitude. And when I join with Jesus in praying one of the simple Scripture prayers shared in the gospel of Matthew – 26:39,
"My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will,"
Wasn't that encouraging praise and worship music for Lent from Mark Cole and the Glad Tidings Worship Band on their album Move in This City? I am always uplifted when I am reminded by lovely hymn songs and encouraging Bible verses that I am following in His awesome footsteps, following His wonderful example, and I can rest in the encouraging promises of God in the Bible, such as
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.
We are going to go through trials and tribulations – whether caregiving or something else. But Jesus chose to walk through extreme trials, because He loves us so much. And what a blessing for us to be able to offer to Him the trials we are going through, trusting Him to walk with us and care for us in and through them all. I pray for each of us in the Sandwich Generation, that we would fully know the joy that comes when we surrender ourselves to God, including all the joys AND the trials that may come with caring for our elderly parents and relatives, and truly be blessed with the comfort that is so abundant through Jesus Christ our Savior.
For more encouraging Bible verses, lovely praise and worship hymn songs and music, and devotions for Lent to bless all of us in the Sandwich Generation…
P.S. I just found a delightful little book full of ideas, devotions, and prayers for Lent that I thought you might enjoy – Lent and Easter Wisdom from G.K. Chesterton: Daily Scripture and Prayers Together with G.K. Chesterton's Own Words. Click here to read more about it. 🙂
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Hi Kaye! It’s fun to connect with you via A Pause in Lent. I find great comfort in the word “surrender” and I like to think I’m finally descending instead of ascending. It’s a day-by-day journey, isn’t it?
Kaye, thank you so much for these uplifting words! I woke up this morning dreading another Sandwich-day and you have inspired me to continue on! Thanks again!
Thank you for these wise words.
What a beautiful song and little book,thank-you.
Blessings,
Ginger
I’m listening to the song as I type and I’m very grateful for your words – strangely, I never felt like the carer when my mum was ill and dying – my father took on that role so strongly. Now that he is ill I can identify with everything you are saying. Thank you.
You aren’t kidding, Pom Pom – many times, for me, it’s minute by minute! 🙂
Oh Paula, thank you for your encouragement to me. And I know that feeling well. Please know I’m praying for you!!!
Thank you for the sweet encouragement! 🙂
Hi Ginger, Thank you!!! 🙂
Hi Floss, I know just what you mean. For the longest time, my mom did most of the caring for my senior dad. Even when they moved in with me during the end stage of his Parkinsons Disease, and he was in hospice, she carried the brunt of it all. It really makes a dramatic difference to do it yourself, doesn’t it? Praying for you this week!!!!
It’s so important to remember not our will but His be done. Thank you for sharing this encouraging post. The song is beautiful as is the video.
Blessings,
Charlotte
Amen, Charlotte! And thank you for the sweet comments. 🙂