On Eagles’ Wings

My mother passed away after seven years with Alzheimer’s. We celebrated her life with a lovely memorial service, and while I missed her very much, I had to admit that I also felt relieved. I was glad for rest after seven years of attending to her many needs.

That rest proved to be short-lived. Only one month after my mother’s death, my mother-in-law fell seriously ill and had to be hospitalized. Helping my wife care for her mother, I found myself jumping back into my caregiving role. We both did.

I often referred to the verse above, glad that God gives us bursts of strength like soaring on eagles’ wings. Thankfully my mother-in-law recovered, but that meant we were resuming our long-term caregiving duties. We needed stamina for the trials ahead.

Crises that soon subside can still be very stressful, and pushing through them can require the ability to run without fatiguing. Chronic stressors—like the challenges of continuously caring for a loved one—can be even harder. Thus, I find hope in asking God not only for short bursts of strength but also for the endurance to keep walking the arduous path day in and day out.