Last week I had the opportunity to attend a virtual dementia demonstration. I went expecting that I would learn something about my mom’s behavior that could benefit me as a caregiver, but instead I learned far more about how I could change my own expectations and behaviors.
For example, did you know that people with dementia and Alzheimer’s can only process one thing at a time. What happens if that task becomes interrupted?
As caregivers we should communicate in seven words or less. We need to slow down, be compassionate and help them be successful.
As in most things in life, it’s not going to do any good to yell or get frustrated. It is up to us to change the story, because all we can do is change our level of understanding. Listen and look at it in a different way.
All good advice for life, don’t you think?
This awful disease and the way it effects our family is not about me!
My natural instinct. I want to stamp my feet and scream “It’s not fair!”
I want life to be easier and I long for peace, but was reminded in my Women of Faith Ambassador group that I will only experience the fruit of the spirit – peace – when I trust in God and in His plan for my life.
It’s about surrender because this life is not about us. It’s about what we are called to do.
I’m pretty sure God is working overtime trying to get me to understand this concept because I was reminded again when I went to Sunday School and then Pastor Brett’s message at church.
We were discussing “How is God working in our life?” and “Making God an active verb?” But before we can answer that we discussed being obedient to His calling. Are we surrendering? Are we modeling unity, peace and reconciliation as Christians in our behaviors?
Pastor Brett reminded us that Jesus is clear in saying life is not always going to be easy and it’s going to look unfair sometimes.
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about comparisons and how glad I am that God doesn’t compare one person to another. He doesn’t love one person more than the other. He calls each of us for a different purpose and our only job is to surrender to his calling. Not our neighbor’s purpose, but our individual calling.
In John 21, Jesus even says “What is that to you?” when He was asked about other the disciples calling.
It’s none of our business what someone else is doing, only our behavior and again, it’s not about me.
That’s hard for me to swallow when I’m ten minutes late to my next appointment and my client is telling me every past sin of their ex to justify their own behavior. Love them and be kind anyway.
Or when I’m trying to herd cows and I have thirteen animals going fifteen different directions. Cows don’t care, but it’s not about me.
I feel like God wants me to tattoo this message on my arm because He reminded me again in my Mother’s Day gifts. On the day that was made to celebrate moms, I needed to be reminded that it’s not about me.
My daughter knows that I’m always seeking peace and contentment in my life. I’ve always thought I might find it in a good nap, but she gave me a 90-day Contentment Journal and a leather, zippered journal with her life verse on the cover.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 29:11.
This week I was reminded repeatedly that it’s not about me. It’s about me being obedient to His calling for me. It’s about listening and understanding true peace when I surrender that to Him in His timing.
I am growing in spiritual strength by being involved in Women of Faith Ambassadors. Please consider joining a program that focuses on building life leadership, real relationships and spiritual strength. You can learn more at: https://womenoffaith.com/ambassadors/
(This is where I experience peace most. It is the highest point of our farm and I can see a lot of what God has given me!)
All Is Well With My Soul 