“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
This verse begins the September writing prompt for Inscribers as we are asked to reflect on our writing journey so far this year and on our plans for the remaining months.
To be honest, the last few years have been challenging in almost every area, including writing. I am content, and consider it a win, to meet the monthly deadline for these blog posts!
It seems the remainder of this year is likely to be devoted to decluttering and packing up my mom’s house. She’s finally mentally and emotionally ready to tackle it; alas, not so much physically. She’s tired all the time now, so the bulk of the work is left to me. Her house has over 60 years’ worth of accumulation. Think about that and remember that she grew up during the Depression and war years! She doesn’t want to part with much, and even though I’m the one doing the physical labour, I’m trying to honour her wishes while praying the Lord loosens her grip on things, or that they lose their grip on her.
Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us of the faithfulness of our God and that His “compassions” (in other translations His “mercies”) are new every morning. How thankful I am for these truths as I fluctuate between gratitude that I can help and support my mom (with my husband's assistance and blessing) and wishing that this “cup” would pass from me. I don’t even feel inspired to journal these days, sensing an interruption could come at any moment. Prayer is my greater focus, the spoken word I cannot do without.
One day, if Jesus tarries, I will have time to write with greater intensity and frequency, in greater quantity. For now, I yield myself to this season, letting my heart sing the words of an old hymn: “All I have needed thy hand hast provided; Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.” His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
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c. Susan Barclay, 2025. For more about Susan and her writing, please visit www.susan-barclay.blogspot.com
I often think to myself that one day, if Jesus tarries, I will have time to do this or that. I pray my own health holds out well beyond that day! I hear you.
ReplyDeleteYes, we need to pray for our own health to hold out! May God be gracious to us both!
DeleteAh, Susan, thank you for your faithfulness in writing for the blog each month in the midst of all that you are doing for your mother. God's faithfulness is steady throughout all the seasons of life. The hymn you quoted is a favourite of mine and will play in my mind throughout the day. May God give you his joy as you help your mom.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lorrie!
DeleteThank you, Susan, for allowing us this glimpse into your life, and that of your mom. These times of transition are not easy for them, nor for us. But I'm grateful for your example of how you are walking out what is yours to do at this time, knowing His grace, mercy, and sufficiency are yours through it all.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Brenda. So thankful for His grace, mercy, and sufficiency in walking this out. I don't know how people go through times of trial without Him!
DeleteAmen Susan! I hear you about packing up your mother's house, from my own experience. In times of transition, it helps to remember that our circumstances change, but our God doesn't. And I'll join you in singing both those hymns.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elizabeth, for that reminder. Our God is indeed the same today as He was yesterday and will be tomorrow. His love and kindness never fail. Amen!
DeleteYes, great is his faithfulness. One of my favourite hymns. Thank you for your faithfulness too, Susan.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joy!
DeleteHow beautiful to let this season be one of honouring your mother's needs, Susan. Yes, a time will come when in God's faithfulness, you'll have more time to write.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sandi. I'm sure when I look back on this season I will see the beauty in the hardship and struggle. I am doing my best through Christ who gives me strength.
DeleteThanks you for your honest post. Helping parents as they once helped us is both a gift and a reminder of the value of life and our interconnectedness with one another. May God bless you as you journey on, Susan, and may inspiration come to you in abundance once more.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan. It takes courage to let go. It takes grace to help someone you love who wants to hold on.
ReplyDeleteDear Susan, your words are definitely those of a writer. Your loyalty and practical way of helping your mother are marks of a loving daughter with a servants heart. There will be a season for your writing again, my friend. Go easy on yourself as you breathe in your season of serving your mom. Blessings to you, my friend. :)
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