This has been a very rough week...that would be the hard place. Two hard places, actually. Caring for aging, ill parents and all that entails, helping them make difficult decisions and trying hard to do it with just the right blend of grace and urgency is something of a challenge. The other hard place is caring for, loving and comforting grieving adult children...from a distance. I understand leaving and cleaving and what it should look like at many stages of married life. Helping and at the same time not interfering in both of these hard places is a labor of love like none I have ever known. We are grieving as well. We are heartbroken over the loss of a second precious grandchild in less than a year and the unbearable pain that has brought to their parents. We are saddened at the failing health and growing dependence of two aging saints. Many helpful resources have undertaken to prepare us for this unique aspect of the Second Half, that sandwich place between caring for children, whatever their age and parents. All that reading was only theory...until now.
But we have a Rock. His name is Jesus. He is enough. His wisdom will guide us as we reach out and help. He will show us how best to bandage wounds, suggest alternatives and encourage faith and moving forward.
The LORD is my rock and my deliverer, my God,
my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold.
Psalm 18:2
He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
Psalm 62
