Jody’s mother had never been very involved in Jody’s life.

She was too busy trying to hide the truth that her marriage to one of the town’s most influential people was miserable. Keeping up appearances was all that seemed to matter to her.

When Jody got married and had children of her own, she was determined to be a better mother to her children than her mother had been to her. Jody and her husband raised their children to know and love the Lord. Jody even prayed that somehow she might make peace with her mom and let go of the resentment that was still there.

When Jody’s mom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, she asked Jody to meet with her. “I know I wasn’t there for you the way you needed or deserved, and I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t want you to see how unhappy I was and I didn’t want to influence your feelings towards your dad.”

Jody felt sorry for her mom. After laying every bit of resentment at God’s feet, Jody cared for her mother until the day she died. In those days, the two bonded in a way neither would have thought possible.

When we allow God to be bigger than the situation, even the worst of times will bring good into our lives.