A year ago, on July 19, 2021, Mama transitioned from this life to the next. She was nearly 90 years old and had lived an incredible life. This episode pays tribute to her journey, which included more than 20 years as a family caregiver and more than six years as a care receiver. I’ve included three important lessons she lived through her example, and they were so wise! In full transparency, I’ve also included things I believe she might have done differently, if she was able to view her 89 years in totality. (Those last six were so challenging.) I finish this episode with one of the greatest Bible passages about love. I hope this episode encourages, inspires, and blesses you today!

Resources:

Today’s Bible touchpoint, from 1 Corinthians 13:1-13,

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2013&version=NIV

Takeaways:

The wisdom of Mama’s 89 years includes three valuable lessons.

1 Do start your day with quiet time. This may include meditation, quiet time with a calming book, exercise, yoga, devotional time. Even five minutes can set your day in a peaceful way!

• Don't go into your headspace alone. Ask Jesus to be present.
• Intercessory prayer can be life-giving, because it allows us to hand our issues over to God.
• When words fail…or when you want something different…listening to faith-based music can also bring peace to your mornings.

2 Do your best to plan. Leave the rest to God. This applies to all major life transitions as well as finishing your earthly journey well.

• As an act of love and caring, outline your wishes for your family in a will, trust, or estate document, and share it in a timely fashion (when you are healthy and able to easily communicate).
• Before you have real health challenges, share relevant medical information, a living will in the event of a catastrophic health event, and your wishes around end-of-life arrangements.

3 Do get out of your own head. Help somebody else. Don’t ask people to let you know if they need anything. Just share something.

• Serving in this way can be very simple..a greeting card with a personal note, a phone call to encourage, the gift of listening without judgement.

If Mama could see her journey in totality, I believe she would have paid more attention to her self-care, journeyed through grief in a healthier way, and more seriously considered finishing well in her own home.

1Corinthians 13:1-13 is balm for the soul. 😊

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