A hibiscus in the process of unfurling
Good Evening, God!
I was just going to go to bed, God. I’m tired. And worried about my mom. Maybe, even, a bit depressed. But, then I remembered my photos of my friend June’s hibiscus. Really, God, they are too wonderful not to share.
Besides, it will do me good to sit with You. Sit without words — for a few minutes. Really, God, You know my heart . It is way too full to speak.
My mom complains about not being able to think. That’s probably because most of her mind is worried about dying. I can understand that. At 98 one does have to think about that. I must say, You have been most kind. It was just a few weeks ago that You had Patty come (in a a dream or vision or ?) and tell her, “Don’t be afraid, Grandma. It [dying] is not so bad.” I do have to remind Mom of that. When I do, she always lights up and smiles. She remembers it!
A fully extended hibiscus with a bee at stamen base
Ah, there, God, I’m feeling a little better. Those are comforting words for me, too. I am thinking of the 23rd Psalm and the verse which says Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. I used to think that Your rod and staff were to protect me. Now, I feel they are for me to lean on.
I do know that we humans need one another. You have made us Social Beings. And sharing seems to me to be a huge part of our nature.
Some days I feel like this hibiscus on the right — fully extended! I like that! But, I need the “furled up” times, too.
Thank You, God for the gift of Life — the ups and the downs!
Story teller,
A Moment with God 
Thanks, mom, for those words. Those who have gone on before have a way of popping up in our thoughts more and more often as we get older.
Amen! And in the 23rd Psalm just before the rod and the staff part, it says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for THOU ART WITH ME.” <: ) Our Shepherd will be walking with us when we die. Oh! And I just remembered something Corrie ten Boom's father told her when she was a child. It was that just as he would give her her ticket right before they boarded a train, her Heavenly Father would give her the strength and courage to face something (I'm not sure if they were talking about death or what) WHEN she needed it. She didn't need to worry in advance about it….
I love you, Mom!
Yes! Ye, though I walk through the Shadow of Death has new meaning now. Thanks, Sanz