My mother became a widow when she was 84 years old. During the first year her grief was so deep that we almost lost her. With the help of doctors and counselors, she began living again. She was mentally alert and in good health so she was able to remain active. She drove her friends who could no longer drive to the grocery store. She played the piano at a nearby nursing home. She adjusted to living alone and wanted to continue living in her home until she died. My dad built their home 65 years ago, and there were too many memories to leave behind. Leaving the house would be like losing my dad all over again.

In her early 90’s she had a stoke which affected her physically but not mentally. She could no longer drive, but still kept busy—and she wanted to stay in her home.  So that was my prayer for her. “Dear God, please let Mom stay in her home until you call her to yours.”

Last summer she fell twice in one week and made two trips to the ER. The doctor said she could no longer live alone. We explored multiple options, including having someone live with her. In August, one month before she turned 94, we moved her into an assisted living home where she could have her own apartment and help with personal care. The large bedroom, bathroom, and walk-in closet were nicer that her own. Her living area had plenty of space for the great-grandkids to play, as well as a nice view from a large bay window.

My mom loves her apartment. She loves the food. She loves the staff. She loves all of her new friends. She loves the social activities. And she doesn’t want to go back home. “This is my home now,” she says with a smile.

God didn’t answer our prayers for her to stay in her home because He had something better for her. I could not imagine a new chapter in her life at 94 being better than the previous one. But that’s how God works. My mom is having a blast in her new place. She’s like a teenager who just went off to college, anxious to meet new people and learn new things.

As we teach and train our children in the Lord, it’s important to help them understand that God doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we want him to. Isaiah 55:9 says, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”  Maybe it’s better to pray for God’s will in the situations we are facing and then let Him surprise us.

Last week my mom participated in a vintage fashion show. At 94, her modeling career has just begun! I’m glad God’s ways are higher than mine!

Crystal