A few weeks ago my husband and I interviewed for a job as a caregiver in the town where 2 of my children and their families live. We've been praying to move back close to our family and my mother and now it seems that God has answered our prayers. We will be caring for a 90 year old woman who in exchange will provide a studio apartment and a small salary. I will cook two meals a day along with light housekeeping. We're free to come and go as we please since she is still self-sufficient and very independent. We've known her son and his family for years so it's not like we'll be taking care of a complete stranger.
My mother will be within walking distance. I haven't lived in the same town with her for over 18 years. She's needing a bit more help the older she gets so I'll be thankful to live so close. Five of my grandchildren will once again be close by. I've missed being a part of their lives on a regular basis. I'm already dreaming of how I can spend more time with them.
Celebrating Mama's birthday at my son's home this year |
So.. the paring down continues. Our new home will be close to the same size as the one we're living in now. The only difference will be that we won't have the extra storage we have in the barn. I've spent the past few weeks going through paperwork, paring down cookbooks, setting aside clothes we don't wear, tossing out old business paperwork and going through my books to save only the best of the best. I won't start packing until after Christmas so I'm using this time to look over everything within our small little home to make sure it's absolutely essential to take along for our next move. Living in small quarters has really given me a sense of what is truly essential to our daily existence. It has really simplified my life.
I'm assuming I won't have a lot of time to keep up with blogging this next month so I wanted to wish all of you a blessed Christmas. I hold so many of you close to my heart. My prayer for you and me is that our hearts will lay hold of the beauty of our Savior this Christmas and that He will truly be the greatest gift.
Praise the Lord! Living for Him is such an adventure, isn't it!
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you that you are going to be closer to your family.....Merry Christmas....:-)Hugs
ReplyDeletePraise the LORD for His provisions! Happy that you can live near family and provide for the 90 year old woman. We say, "no more", but He is there every step of the way.
ReplyDeleteCarol
I have enjoyed reading about your adventures in "paring down" and am thankful with you for this new opportunity and the closeness to family that it gives you. We had a similar job years ago with an 87 year-old man. It was great. Have a wonderful Christmas and a good move!
ReplyDeleteThat is so exciting...praise the Lord. We are "paring down" as well because we will be moving to a much smaller place. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas filled with a laughter, love and joy. Hugs
ReplyDeleteWow, this sounds like the perfect move for everyone involved; a win/win situation.
ReplyDeleteEach day is so precious, and to be close to your mother, children, grandchildren and helping someone who needs help is so wonderful.
To me, having less material possessions is a good feeling, and I'm sure you feel the same.
Happy for you!
God bless you in your new home and job. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteI just saw this because I haven't been spending much time on line. I left a comment on your Xanga blog. Take care. Linda
ReplyDeleteRYC-I'm doing pretty good. I'm back at Curves and I think that is making a difference in how I feel. I have a couple of health issues that I'm trying to manage. Losing weight and exercise are the cures. I have to get down below 150 on my doctors scale which is a couple of pounds more than mine. I think it will take a while.
ReplyDeleteThat really sounds perfect! So happy for you guys. We are enjoying our little cabin for now--but after coming 'home' for Christmas I now really wish we could stay here near our kids. I am going to pray also that God would somehow provide a way for that.
ReplyDeleteMary... I know that God has a plan for my life and that His plan may not always mean that I'll get what I think I need (a.k.a. living near my children and grands). I've tried to hold those desires within the context of 'your will not mine'. I haven't done so 'perfectly'. :-) So, I am very thankful that it 'looks' like we may (for the time being)be blessed with living close to most of the family. I pray the Lord will give me grace if that changes.. I know He will.
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