My Mother's Apron
My mother used to help families in crisis in her prime. She would live in and do cooking, cleaning and simple, comforting care of a sick family member and support the other members of the family. I was a kid so I went along and know all she did to help families find their balance again. I also know that she prayed for them as she put on her apron to begin work!
As she became seriously disabled, she was no longer able to offer this kind of help and she mourned to see families that needed her and she could not help. I remember suggesting that maybe prayer would now become her work. From then on as I left for my job, she would put on her apron and sit down (she could no longer kneel) to pray. That was her job!
Mom was wearing her apron when she passed away in my arms and I removed that apron and keep it to remind me how much I need to pray. My prayers used to be so specific but I have learned from my husband to simply lift problems and people up before God and ask for His Wisdom and Help.
Have I seen God answer Prayer?
Oh so many times! Crisis prayers! Driving and heading for an accident, I’ve seen and felt the Hand of God in answer to my cry “Father, Help!” Miraculous healing! Yes a hugely painful tendon simply stopped hurting after my prayers!
Facing very serious situations in my life, I have learned that becoming a ‘praying person’, conversing with God about problems brings long-term solutions that really work. Many years ago, I too faced disability with hip and back problems. Did I want miraculous healing? I certainly asked for it but God answered in different ways- I found a massage therapist who has kept me walking for 20 years!
When the problems again invaded my life, yes I again asked for miraculous healing but God gave me wisdom to explore hip surgery which has now been so successful and I thank God! Praying becomes a way of life- one foot on the earth and the other before God’s Throne on that Sea of Glass! Praying!
Am I still all too human and sometimes forget to pray? Yes that too… but I know better! Help me, Father! In Jesus’ Name! Amen.