New Words

I recently got a new edition of the Dictionary of the Future compiled and edited by Faith Popcorn and Adam Hanft. It made me feel very old and out of date. As the name suggests, it is focused on new words coming into use as new technologies and customs become popular and prevalent in our society. I think the new words are coming thicker and faster now than they did in the past. Life moves at a faster pace, due in large part, to the rapidity of technological innovations.

History is losing it significance as we move farther from it. I hear a lot of mumbling about the lack of skill in methods our grandparents excelled in, like building and farming; even cooking and sewing are a lost art. The need is still present, but it's easier to hire an expert than to do it yourself.

Wisdom or Holy Spirit?

Have you ever been challenged by this question? I made a decision, and now I question my choice. Was it really a wise choice? Am I just troubled because I feel guilty?

I made the decision based on my needs, partly because I'm 80 and partly because I am diabetic. I moved to an area when my youngest daughter lives and she suggested I would be better off here than where I was living. She thought I was doing too much housework and providing care for my disabled daughter at the expense of my own needs. I guess I was. As soon as I moved I needed gall bladder surgery. I would have stalled or denied had I stayed where I was.

My guilt comes from the difficulties my disabled daughter is having. Money, personal care, and loneliness plague her now, and I miss the chance to remedy the situation. The attempt to provide her help with bathing, cooking, and cleaning chores would probably be beyond my ability since I have had 2 strokes since I came here. Now my balance is compromised, I have not fallen, but I stumble a lot and feel very insecure.

I am praying for help from God. I need to be sure she is safe and getting the care she needs. She gets nursing services from a home help agency and her daughter is there to help her with daily care. I suppose I should be satisfied that her needs are being met. I still pray every day for God to intervene and give her comfort and solace.

Now I pray for me to be secure in God's love and relieved of guilt that I am not taking care of things. Maybe if I can get over the idea that I have to fix everything, I will be able to receive His assurance. At least that's what I'm praying will happen.