In March of 2013 I brought my 76 year old wife of 56 years home from six weeks at the hospital. There had been times when she did not know me, or recognize pictures of her children. I was told she would always be in a wheelchair and have very little mental capacity. I was convinced by the medical team working with her that she should have 24 hour care – not to try to take care of her myself.

I won’t bore you with details about her gaining back some (but not all) of her “old self”. But when people, especial the medical team saw her in 2015, they could not believe her state of being. She was able to walk without assistance, talk in conversations and even walk and chew gum at the same time. She did not need any special care person, much less one for 24 hours.

Her daily care became manageable, so we took trips together to Phoenix to see our son. We took relaxing cruises to Mexico, the Panama Canal and the Caribbean. She even accompanied me on some of my mission trips to Romania.

What had happened? I’m glad you asked!

I am happy to tell you. The answer boils down to three things.

PRAYER – She literally had a real prayer army praying for her.

CARE – She still had special needs, but we were able to care for her, and keep her happy, healthy and comfortable.

LOVE – She had an abundance of love from her family and many friends, but, especially, she knew the Lord loved her!

That’s my testimony. She’s over 80 now. We have been married over 60 years. Those near and dear to Jeanette are still emphasizing those three things: Prayer, Care and Love.

We know that God shows His love for her in so many ways. Ways that keep her happy and healthy as the effects of aging take their toll upon her mind and body.

Jeanette’s story is not unique. Many of you can relate similar (or worse) kinds of events where Prayer, Care, and Love made a difference. Is there a “Jeanette” in your life?

I also suggest that it is good preventive practice. Give it a try. Make Prayer, Care and Love and integral part of your daily life.

Next week: STUMBLING YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS