The Kind of Recognition I Want

My mother who has Alzheimer’s hasn’t recognized me for a few months now. When I visit, I wonder if there is something deep inside her that subconsciously feels that I and our interactions are familiar in some way. Even if I think I see subtle fleeting signs of recognition in her eyes, I’ll never really know if it’s real or if it’s just me wanting so much for it to be real.

However, last weekend I received the greatest blessing! There was absolutely no doubt that she knew me at last weekend’s visit. As I walked into the common room where she and three other residents sat watching tv, she spotted me and there was a definite recognition in the twinkle of her eyes as she laughed out loud in joy and called out to me “Hi Sweetie” and waving at me. A couple of years ago, her greeting wouldn’t have even registered with me. It was the standard greeting when I surprised my mom with a visit in the past. But when the ordinary becomes rare, it’s amazing how valuable it becomes. Even if I never get that moment again, I will treasure this precious memory for the rest of my life.

 It also made me think of the day when I will meet Jesus, face to face, and how I hope in his grace and forgiveness to see that kind of recognition in his eyes and hear him say my name in joyful greeting. While living out my day-to-day faith journey, I try to keep that future homecoming in mind to help remind me of why it is so important to put Jesus first in my heart and my life.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ Matthew 7:21-23