It’s a lot.

My husband and I have often repeated that phrase in the last two weeks. We drove from Virginia to Colorado in order to facilitate my mother’s move to an Assisted Living facility and the sale of her house. Each day we make progress. And each day we see how much more we need to do. It’s a lot.

Fortunately, my mother, my siblings, and I all agree. My mother needs more care and support. And we all love the facility we chose. This is the right time, the right place, and the right decision. But in the process I’ve learned even right decisions can be painful.

Over the last two weeks we’ve all been stretched to our limits. As my mother prepares to leave her home of fifty-plus years, we’ve had to make a myriad of other decisions. Emotions have escalated and tempers have flared. Through it all, I keep repeating the phrase, it’s a lot, as a reminder to extend grace to myself, and to those around me.

 As I studied the psalms this week, one in particular spoke to my heart. In Psalm 62, David is in distress because his enemies speak well of him outwardly, but curse him in their hearts. Their intention is to overturn his authority (Psalm 62:3-4). In response, David pours out his heart to God and finds peace in Him. Then he encourages us to do the same:

Trust in him at all times, you people;
     pour out your hearts to him,
     for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:8 NIV)

This verse has become my anchor. I have truly poured out my heart to God ~ the good, the bad, and yes, even the ugly. And through it I have found peace ~ His peace.

As we continue on our journey, we will face distressing times. Sometimes the right decisions we make will still bring pain. Sometimes we’ll do the right thing, but still feel pain. But no matter the circumstances, I pray we remember to pour out our hearts to the One who is, and will forever be, our refuge.