Your God-given purpose has to do with loving people, no matter your age.

I read the text from my sister, Mary. “The house is sold and a new family now owns it.” Tears streamed down my face and I cried myself to sleep that night. Our family home since I was 15 years old in Marinette, WI was no longer our family home. I felt like Rachel on Friends when Monica told her Chandler was moving in and Rachel was moving out. Rachel had tears streaming down her face as she hugged Monica and said, “It’s the end of an era.”

My parents’ home fulfilled its purpose. So many memories with friends and family: parties, meals, and projects. My Dad always wanted hunting property and he got it. He brought his children, grandchildren, and nephews hunting on his property. He left a legacy. He took great care of his dream property and taught me how to be a good steward of what God blessed me with. My Mom taught me the gift of hospitality. Everyone was welcomed and loved. Lots of laughter and love was in that home and the best part was the presence of God was there.

My Dad has his home in heaven now. I know he is proud of me and my sisters. We honored him and we are continuing to honor our Mom. We did it right, Dad. Just like you taught us.

My Mom is in her new apartment and flourishing. Our family pictures are on every inch of her walls. Her chair faces a big window with an outside wooded area where she has a bird feeder and blooming pot of flowers. She is wearing lipstick, smiling, and laughing more than ever. I think of my Mom when I read Proverbs 3:16-18, “Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.”

Her purpose of loving and accepting people where they are at has not changed; it is now in a new location. She has always been a good friend. Now she is befriending a new group of people and loving and accepting them all.

The dream my parents had for their retirement did not come to pass the way our family thought it would. God is still good, just like it says in Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes everything to work for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Grief and joy can happen at the same moment. I am embracing that fact in my life more consistently now than ever.

1.     Have you experienced grief and joy at the same time? What does that look like for you?

2.      How do you respond to family transitions? Please share.

3.      When you think of your purpose when you are in your 70s or 80s, what does that practically look like to you?   

“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, all and her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.”

(Proverbs 3:13-18 NIV)

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

(Romans 8:28 NLT)

Stacy McVane

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