I trust God’s timing.
I didn’t want to be there for that event. God answered my prayers, though. I did not want it to be dramatic. I did not want her to be scared. I just wanted it to be peaceful. I’m not sure why I had to be there, but I overlooked asking God to help me avoid that. It was hard. God’s timing is perfect, though.
Typical that I would be inspired by an episode of Revive Our Hearts. Today, Gretchen Saffles was interviewed. She is the author of the book Well-Watered Woman that I am reading. As God would have it, I read the exact thing she talked about today. Gosh, I love when God does that! His timing!
Gretchen talked about how her grandfather was fading away and how they all decided to gather around his bedside while the end of his life was nearing. Her account was remarkably like when my Mom took her last breath.
I didn’t want to be there for that event. God answered my prayers, though. I did not want it to be dramatic. I did not want her to be scared. I just wanted it to be peaceful. I’m not sure why I had to be there, but I overlooked asking God to help me avoid that. It was hard. God’s timing is perfect though.
But God. I avoid crying in front of my husband. I am not sure why. It could be a pride thing. I always want to look strong. God’s timing is amazing. TRUST HIS TIMING!
We were in my Mom’s room for about 45 minutes or so and Shawn decided to go get some coffee. While he was gone, I cried an ugly cry. I sobbed. I told my Mom I was sorry for the times that I was unkind to her. I could have sworn she left out a compassionate moan for me. It also could have very well been her just starting to drift into that deep sleep.
Beverly, my Mom’s hospice nurse came into the room. She tried to wake my Mom but was not successful. Mom was still breathing. A few minutes later, Thad, the hospice chaplain came into the room with a woman. I knew the woman. She was a minister at a church I used to attend. We exchanged hugs, and then we took each other’s hands and Thad led a prayer. While we were praying, I opened my eyes and realized my Mom was no longer breathing. God’s timing. Jesus listened. He heard our prayer to take her Home. She knew Him.
Yes, my Mom knew Jesus. So, if He was extending His hand to her, she took it without pause. My Mom knew Him because she surrendered her life to Him back in 1978. She would recognize Him, not so much by His outward appearance, but maybe from that gentle voice. Sheep know their shepherd. She knew her Savior. He extended His hand while we were praying. She took His hand and let go of this world.