Caring for family may mean creating your own sunshine!

“Good morning, Sunshine! Are you sunshiny this morning? It’s a new day…wake up– let’s you and me go cheer up the world! We got one fun day ahead of us, are you ready? Move ‘em, Mommy, move ‘em!”

My happy voice and spring in my step let Mother know we were in for a great day. Her little tired eyes slowly opened and the wrinkled frown on her face was gently transformed into a big, enthusiastic smile. Those beautiful blue eyes sparkled as if she were a child once more anticipating a day at the carnival.

I knew the day would be long and hard.

It took one or two hours to get her out of bed, cleaned up and into the living room for her breakfast. My body was tired before the day began yet no one else was available to help with so much of her care. Many of the personal, tedious, routine tasks are left for caregivers to do themselves. I knew from experience my day as well as hers would go much better if it began in the right way. Mother had become so much like a child, living in and for the moment at hand. She seemed to reflect the atmosphere around her. I worked hard to keep her happy and cleaned up.

Another story began to unfold as our children and family in the other room picked up on the levity. I could hear the conversation drift from concern and sadness to laughter and excitement as they, too, anticipated a delightful morning.

Not only am I reminded again how very infectious a simple laugh can be, I also recognize the overwhelming responsibility I have, not simply to the one I’m caring for, but also to those around me. God has given me a unique opportunity to share my love for Jesus in a real, tangible way by living out the love He has put inside me.

I am praying for each person reading this post that God will put a spark inside you; that you will re-discover the joy of laughter. Laughter is, after all, good medicine! God said it; now scientists have proven it—isn’t that just amazing?

“Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure… You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” From Psalm 16:9-11 NIV

Hugs,

My Mother My Child is an account of my personal walk through eight years of caring; of learning to laugh in the hard times; of learning to cry; and mostly, learning to lean on the One Who has all the answers for us.