Lesson #7

When it gets Hard, Press in

I wish I could have a redo! This afternoon I went to visit with my mom.  She had been looking for something but couldn't find it.  I suggested a few places that we might find it and eventually it was found. Normally she would have been happy about finding something that was lost, but on this day she seemed particularly agitated.

It must be tough to manage the emotions when things have been removed from you; your memories, your control and even decision-making.

What happened next I so wish that I could do over.  In the moment of a conversation my mom lashed out in such anger that I was a little nervous at what would happen next. Instead of pressing in to the Spirit , I responded in my sternest teacher voice for her to sit down and told her that this behavior was unacceptable.

As you can imagine it didn't go over very well. 

I know why things did not go well. I was relying on my ability to handle a tense situation. Mustering up my power, my strength, my words and then watching as everything escalated. 

On my own, I have no grace, no kindness, no patience. I am an empty broken vessel without the love of Jesus.

Fortunately after a calmer conversation my mom apologized and we moved on.

This experience taught me that when life gets hard I need to press in to Jesus.

I had forgotten in that moment that He alone can fill me with grace, peace, joy, wisdom, patience and power.

If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 1:19

What does it mean to Press in to Jesus?

To physically be close to Him

Who touched me?” Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.” Luke 8:45

To earnestly seek after Him

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Philippians 3:12

I have learned so much from this terrible disease of dementia. Thank you God for using every teachable moment to refine me.