Every
journey starts with the first step and this year we have journeyed with each
other, our families, our spouses, our children.
Mops has carried us through the journey of Self, Family, Community and
God. Jesus was not a stranger to
journeying. He traveled from place to
place always on the move yet he knew his ultimate destination. In reflecting on His journeys to me possibly
the hardest journey He took was also the shortest. The amount of steps He took from his place of
prayer in the garden to the hands of the soldiers. He had just prayed for the cup to be taken
from Him but in the same prayer He submitted Himself to the will of God. Knowing that He was facing His darkest days
on earth, He took that first step into the most arduous journey know to man and
heaven. Since January 2012 I also have
traveled a journey that started with a small step forward with many beseeching
prayers to God but always trusting in Him.
Somehow I knew that my dad didn't have very much time left - I attribute that sense to God giving me
that knowledge. My family and are were
blessed with being able to see my dad in June and other family members. Last June is a bittersweet memory of fun family
time and increased knowledge of my dad's worsening health. In August I journeyed again to care for my
dad in the last two weeks of his life.
Then my own journey with cancer began.
As we have traveled together this year let me share with you what I have
learned and have seen.
Self:
There was a talk on self care and it
hit home. Cancer treatment is rough
physically and mentally. I had to learn
to let go of things or at least let others help me do things even though it
wasn't the way I would do it. As long as
it got done, that is what mattered. I
had to learn to take care of me and do what was needed to make it through each
step of my treatment. I have seen other
moms in our group realize that it is ok to do something nice for themselves
even something as simple as taking a shower without interruption or as
difficult as needing other medical interventions for health so we can be better
moms, wives, friends. Jesus took time
for himself when he left the disciples and crowds to spend time with His
Father.
Family:
I have come to understand more fully
the blessings God has given me through my children and especially my
husband. There was a fear in me that
just recently was obliterated because it took my illness to show me the depth
of love and fidelity my husband has for me. I also have seen us become a
family, we have rejoiced in the abundance of babies being born and mommies
announcing more little people on their way.
We have sorrowed together over deaths, prayed over the various illnesses
and hurts that have come among us, Cheered the accomplishments of busy moms
doing more than just "mommy stuff".
We have been there for each other for all the little, medium and big
stuff in each other's lives.
Community:
We are a community along with being
a family. The dictionary defines community as a unified body of
individuals. We are unified. United
by motherhood and by membership in MOPs.
A community each of us has chosen to belong to. For me given that I have no immediate family
in the area, everyone of you have been a support during my personal journey
whether through thoughts, prayers, meals, hugs, cards, child care, a smile and
so on. I have seen us as a community
reach out and help those in our group through joyful times (BABIES!!!!) and
hard times. Sometimes the help is short-
an invitation to a playdate to give another worn out mom a break or long -
taking meals to a family with a sick child or sick mom. Some of us are graduating and no matter where
you go, you are always be part of this community and family. God intends us to fellowship together and I
love our fellowship.
GOD:
He brought me here as he has brought
many of you here. He is in everything,
He is with us in EVERY step of ANY journey we undertake whether we choose it or
it chooses us. So as we go forth into
summer and beyond, whether we return to MOPs in the fall or we move to the next
journey in the new stages of mommy hood with our kids remember what GOD has
promised us:
Joshua 1:5New
International Version (NIV)5 No one
will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses,
so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
His promises
are true and when we go through rough times we know we can lean on him because
He is strong enough to carry us AND our burdens. He is also with us in joyous and normal times. I thank Him for being there always and I especially thank Him for bringing me here to a place where love, friendship,
and fellowship abounds. Have a great
summer and see you at the Park!
