So, we all want to say that we have unconditional love. But what we have isn’t anywhere near the love Jesus Christ has for us. I am no Biblical expert and totally not even close to being perfect, but I do know that a human cannot truly embody unconditional love.

UCL comes with no judgement, endless patience and unending empathy. Aggravation or ego are not in the recipe. So knowing that, I don’t think any of us could come close to this, maybe Mother Teresa was not far from it. But honestly I can’t think of any other examples.

Taking care of my mom has helped me to see how flawed I am. I get super frustrated and exasperated, but at times sadness and fear plays a larger part. I am still youngish, and taking care of my parent as it happens for many older people. A mom of a teen I am now thinking of my own mortality and hoping mom can make it for years, wondering constantly how much time there is.

I’m praying she makes it through the month. I chose to take her from a bad situation but sometimes it feels like too much for me. Someone with unconditional love or even close to it would not behave this way. Trying to be happy and positive and proactive so that I can provide love in all my care. It just doesn’t stick. I work hard to be tender and loving and kind but I fall short.

I have to lean on Christ and stop doing it alone. It is my lack of faith that is keeping me from handling things well. I try to read scripture and believe, but feel hopeless and helpless. I want to feel in my bones that God is the ultimate healer and can work miracles. But faith doesn’t come naturally. I am a Christian, but I feel like I’m not good at it.

In the heat of a crisis or painful time, what do you do to get through? Do you turn to God? Is meditation or pampering your thing? I spend a significant amount of time telling D or my kid about it because they are the only ones I can talk to. I really need my Heavenly Father because I can only handle so much.

For those of who have been in a similar situation, please tell me what eased your sorrow or help moderate your emotions. Below are a few quotes/scripture that I am going to write down 5 times a day and meditate/pray on:

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Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phillipians 4:13

I can’t control the waves of the ocean, but I can learn how to navigate my ship. Debasish Mridha

Never let your head hang down. Never give up and sit down and grieve. Find another way. And don’t pray when it rains if you don’t pray when the sun shines. Leroy Satchel Paige

If you have been toughing it for a long time, many blessings to you. What I have written may not peace, but it can hopefully help you to work through the rough patches.

This link provides 7 ways to cope during difficult times, they are simple, yet effective- https://www.huffpost.com/entry/coping-strategies_b_2813782

Remember that perfection is something to work towards, but is not possible. So do the best when caring for and loving others but don’t forget you.

Simply~

Dee