More From Jan Towne

September 27, 2019 by Jan Towne (Virginia, USA)

Last year I moved to my parents’ home, two hours away from mine.  Both my father and my mother entered home hospice care, and I became their caregiver.  My father died in December, and my mother followed him to their heavenly home 100 days later.  I have since moved back to my home, but things are just not the same.  I witnessed so much suffering and change in such a short amount of time.  One of my favorite Bible verses that gives me much strength and peace is Romans 8:18, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (KJV).

The changes continue. My youngest child graduated from college this past May and subsequently moved several hours away. My husband retired from his job in July after thirty-one years. I have continuing medical issues, including a recurrence of cancer found in September.  One thing that grounds me is my daily Bible reading (using a reading plan) and reading of The Upper Room.  My mother gave me a subscription to The Upper Room when I was in college in the late 1970s.  I am so grateful for her encouragement throughout the years.     

I have learned that change and suffering in our lives is inevitable, but we can delight in the knowledge that although our lives change daily, God is unchanging.  God is our Rock.  “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8, KJV). We are able to look to the Lord and the word to garner peace and strength.  “The grass withes, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8, NRSV).

Every day is a new adventure, and I am grateful for each new morning.  I delight in getting to know our Lord and Savior better each day through the reading of God’s word.  I delight in the handiwork of God’s creation of nature. Joy and beauty are all around us, despite the grief and hardships.  Grace and peace to you and yours.  


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The Upper Room magazine's mission is to provide a practical way to listen to scripture, connect with believers around the world, and spend time with God each day.

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