Seasons

Little did we know what 2020 held in store. The pandemic came and affected all of us. Then another disease affected our family.

I noticed my mom declining. She began to struggle with writing checks, planning her grocery shopping, and paying bills. When the power was turned off at her house due to nonpayment, it was time for action.

There Is a Season

For a while, managing Mom’s bills was enough, but soon my wife and I realized that she needed consistent care. A diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s was confirmed. We made plans to move Mom home with us.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds me, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” A new season was beginning.

Sometimes Home Is the Mission

A family member needing 24/7 supervision involved juggling responsibilities and hiring caregivers when we both had to work. I rushed home when assigned shifts concluded.

As Mom became less functional and cooperative, we adjusted our schedules so that one of us was always home with Mom. Although I prefer teaching in person, I had to shift some classes online. 

Campus is a mission field, but sometimes God gives us a mission at home.

I felt isolated being off-campus. Office time was precious. Did I remember to make copies for Thursday? I navigated a constrained environment, sometimes a prisoner in my own home. My online students seemed far away. Still, I had my wife who shared in my mom’s care. I had church friends and connections to believing instructors via Faculty Commons.

Upheld by Prayer

At times I felt alone, but I wasn’t. We were upheld by prayer. This season lasted almost two years. Mom’s health declined after hospitalization with the flu. She returned home under hospice care. The Good Shepherd was leading us through “the valley of the shadow of death.” We endured by grace, awaiting greener pastures.

Hebrews 13:5 reminds me, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” God allows adversity, but helps us through it.

A Refocused Mission

Mom passed that March. The 2025-2026 school year represented  a new beginning. I have renewed opportunities to make a difference on campus and in my community. I have a renewed appreciation of time and travel and refocused priorities. My time is finite. How much longer will I be able to teach, serve, and influence?

Philippians 4:12-13 reminds me, “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

We endure each trial and season of life, depending on Christ’s strength when our own seems inadequate, for He is faithful.