Joy Will Come in the Morning

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. —James 1:2–4, NIV

I was privileged to care for my mother, who had dementia.

She then developed Parkinson’s disease, and we faced many challenges through this difficult journey with its seemingly never-ending descents.

My mother went to sleep in Jesus in September 2015 at ninety-five years old. Through this experience, I learned many invaluable lessons. Although I had always loved my mother, I learned to show it more than I had before. I learned patience, empathy, compassion, humility, and tolerance. I am still learning anger management and forgiveness. Additionally, I have been the grateful beneficiary of genuine friendship and generosity.

My most important gain, however, has been my spiritual pruning.

Sharing my thoughts with fellow Christians (invaluable therapy!) left me encouraged and blessed. At times, when the crucible heated up and I felt cornered, I asked God, “Why?” I refused to believe, like Job’s friends, that our loving Father was punishing my mother. As I cried out to Him, prayed more earnestly, and even argued with Him at times, my prayer life deepened and matured. Each crucible moment reminded me of my dependence on God, and I became more resolute to serve Him. While saddened to have lost her and that she had to suffer to teach me, I rejoice that her suffering is over and that I have had the wisdom and flexibility to learn these lessons. I now strive, with God’s help, to be a better person so her suffering will not be in vain. Yet questions linger in my mind. Was this for my mother’s benefit? Or did God see the road I was headed down and use this experience to draw me back? If so, shouldn’t I have been the one to suffer? Was my experience simply to prepare me to help support others experiencing similar trials? With the help of God, I will be caught up in the air to meet Him, and these will be the first questions I will ask Him. If you are walking through a similar experience, please know you are not alone. And always remember, “joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5, NKJV).

Cecelia Grant