I save this devotion for last because God really spoke to my heart throughout my winter vacation.

It’s 2 days before Christmas and I am looking out the window in Corinth Mississippi. I was sound asleep and then my husband came and woke me up and said: “come look outside.” Snow was gently falling and as I went outside “barefooted” I felt just like a child. One thing I did notice was the “sweet pain? On the soles of my feet. And that is what I am going to share this week.

The sweet pain of change.
2004 has been an incredible year and our parents remind me of the sweet pain of aging. We all began: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you;” Jeremiah 1:5a Imagine, God knows us before we even took form in the womb of our mothers.

Today when we respond to His call on our lives, we individually have a purpose.
As each snow flake takes on its form from the elements; they take on vast shapes and sizes. It’s like our Creator is hand cutting each flake that drifts down to the ground. We too are His unique creation and our time on this earth has a purpose. Then when all is said and done we pass from our earthly life to our heavenly home.

Both of our parents are changing and this year we faced cancer, alzheimer’s, heart problems, and the realization they are close to going home. We aren’t ready; we desire to care for them. But that beautiful stubborn will in them says, “we don’t need help.”

So aging is a blessing or sweet pain. The Psalmist says: “Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoices like a strongman to run its race. Psalm 19:5
Even though aging is part of living, we can celebrate life because God our creator thought enough of us to create us, place us, and call us to run the race of life.

We all wake up with the sweet aches and pains. I guess the question is: Can I take this pain and turn it into praise?
My Uncle John went to be with the Lord at 100 years old. Before his left this earth he told his loved ones he knew his time has come. Wow! Only a man of God could so easily accept his time to be with Jesus.

It’s difficult seeing aging parents but I can turn it to praise for we are blessed by them. The ones God entrusted us to are now able to let us care for them. “But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God.” Psalm 40:17
When I was running in the snow I thought of our parents on how painful it is to age but as I felt the pain on the soles of my feet I could comprehend the bittersweet pain of aging. A time is coming where we will say goodbye for now and it will also be bittersweet. Winter revealed a lot to me this year and I pray that spring will bring a deeper faith in my life.

Thank you Lord for parents and help us to care for them as they have cared for us. Lord give them peace in their lives as they grow closer to being with you. Thank you God for giving them to us as a gift.