A Life Preserver on a Winter Day

It is early in the morning and I’m cold…….cold on the inside and outside. The ice and snow are starting to fade but for some reason my bones are chilled and warmth is eluding me.

I looked out my window toward the mountains and lake and God seemed to place such an obvious sign of his love right in front of me……….it was a bright green round life preserver……..just floating on the water in our cove.

I called the pastor/husband to the window…….What do you see I asked him. “a green life preserver” he says.

I tried to take a picture but it didn’t come out well. But the picture is in my mind and it won’t leave my brain.

For the last few weeks I have felt like I’m drowning in an unexpected tsunami……and there have been moments when the tears just won’t stop.

My mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. In one month’s time my life has dramatically changed……for the man who was supposed to be loving her til death do us part has left her.

So I’ve been told legally I’m in charge.

And the truth is I really don’t know this woman called “Mother”. She basically checked out of my life when I was 16. But I do love her……..she gave me life, she did care for me for years when I was unable to care for myself; she took me to church when I was a little girl…the church where Jesus called my name and I responded. So for that I am ever so thankful. God has shown me clearly she did the best she knew how.

So in the midst of the bills to be paid that aren’t mine; the taxes to be filed that aren’t mine; the doctors to call; appointments to arrange and the list could go on and on………….I will take that Green Life Preserver and hang on for dear life.

How good is our God! To provide such a visual picture to me of His love, His faithfulness.

The Tsunami won’t overtake me……….nor you……whatever waves are crashing over your head in which you feel like you might drown. Jesus is holding out his hand with His love, His strength, His joy, His LIFE and you will survive.

“The thief has come only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” John 10:10