by Ethel Griffin


Changes! Changes! Changes! Sometimes life changes faster than I can keep up with! First my dear hubby calls our kids to tell them that he can no longer take care of our four acres. We must down- size. Where do we start? As I pondered that question, I looked into the bathroom mir-


ror. What did I see? A white-haired, old lady. Scary? You bet! Age has never bothered me, but now when I’m in my upper 80s, it has sneaked in to disrupt my life. More changes! My hubby's health deteriorated. More changes!


We moved three times in one year. More changes! In the spring, we moved again, and I hope for the last time on this earth. Everything is so regimented. More changes! Staff takes over all


medications, doctor appointments, and transportation. Now the big question comes to mind: At my age, what am I


good for? Have I been put out to pasture? I’ve been assigned a table in the dining room with two ladies


I don’t know. More changes! Ten the Holy Spirit reminds me that he is still in control and will guide me. I should not complain. Sometimes food isn't the greatest, but I eat it anyway. Jesus Christ has become more precious to me as I rely on him. His Holy Spirit told me, “Look around. Do these ladies know Jesus as their per- sonal Savior?” My eyes were opened. Depression and discouragement want to sneak in, so I asked


my Heavenly Father to give me a thankful heart. Now I count my blessings instead. I can still go see my dear husband who is in


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nursing care. I can see his room from my window, but it’s a long walk to get there. Te Holy Spirit took me to a favorite passage where Jesus


commands, “Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” ( John 14:27). I am not to worry, period! Tis is very difficult. My husband of 60-plus years is very ill. Earlier, Jesus said, “Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:1-3). Yes, there are many changes. Our eyes and ears need to turn to


Jesus. He assures us: “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jer. 32:27). His invitation is: “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” ( Jer. 33:3). I am usable. I am valuable. Sometimes I fail, but when I confess my failure, “… he is faithful and just to forgive …” that failure. Changes! Tey come. Trough God’s grace, I will accept them


with a smile.


Ethel Griffin has been involved at Crosspoint Bible Church since the 1970s. She has led Bible studies, worked in the library, played keyboard, and served in numerous other ways. Her husband, Gary, passed away on Dec. 31, 2017.


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