Jdg 13:2-7,24-25
Lk 1:5-25
The Lord has done this for me.
A roof over my head, good health, talent/charisms/gifts that are unique to me, a wonderful life companion, being able to serve in various ministries that help bring others to Him, family members who care…all this, and much more, the Lord has done for me. I count myself blessed that I get to share some of my experiences and read/learn about how God has worked in the life of others through this ministry.
Recently, while serving/ministering at a retreat, I had the chance to spend some quiet time alone reflecting on how He has facilitated a recent transition that my family has had to make (I shared about it yesterday). I came to the realisation that while the Lord, in all His generosity, provides for us, He also takes away from us. A few months back, one of my cousins asked if I felt sad having to move from our home of 40 years. My answer was a blunt and succinct, “Not at all. It is what it is and life happens.” I truly believe that the Lord intended for us to go through this as a way of pruning us (even more for some)
And since we moved to our new digs last week, I have been enjoying the new spaces that He has ‘designed’ for me. I am sitting outdoors using restored furniture from our old house and enjoying the cool evening breeze as I write this reflection. The feeling of ‘newness’ is not just a physical one for me. I sense that He is setting me on a new course again, now that my ‘living environment’ has been settled. For too long, I had felt ‘trapped’ in my old house, with no sense of feeling settled. Hence, I hardly dined at home with my mum and uncle, rationalising that I did not want to ‘complicate’ dinner arrangements, thereby making it easy for them to plan/cater for their own dinner.
Today, since we have moved into the new home, I have cooked/had three meals with them. I can also tell that mum is grateful for my presence and care for them, especially since I make it a point to cook up the leftovers in the fridge (we used to discard them after a few days). And, knowing that my mum and uncle are the ones who have had to make the most adjustments, I have had to give them the room to adjust and adapt to the new living norms; not to mention searching for things that were packed away and getting used to putting them in easy-to-remember spaces.
I shared recently with someone that I have a newfound respect for those who have to care for the elderly. And while I am blessed to have two, very active family members who are well into their 80s, I know that it is time for me to take a more active role in their wellbeing. What that means, I truly do not know, but I believe that God has led me down this path for a reason. Whatever it is, I trust that He has my back and that He will reveal His plan in due time.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Desmond Soon)
Prayer: Father, we pray that you continue to lead us and show us your guiding hand in all that we do. And we ask for your graces to flow freely into our lives as we navigate the challenges and shoulder our daily crosses.
Thanksgiving: We give thanks for caregivers who shoulder the burden of looking after the elderly, frail, sick, differently-abled and those with special needs. Thank you, Lord, for always assuring us that You are with us through it all.
OXYGEN 
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