In December of 2023, I had just returned home from a trip out west.   After being terrified to fly for many years, I was proud of myself for flying and navigating one of the largest airports in the world.


I came home and sat down in my recliner so I could unwind and relax.  After a little while, I stood up and felt pain in my left knee.  It happened suddenly, out of the blue and took me on a journey I didn't want to take.


Since then I have had multiple doctors visits, several rounds of physical therapy and arthroscopic procedures on both knees.   This was the first time I faced mobility issues and I watched my confidence fade and fear rise up where it had never been before.   I found myself looking at the ground with every step, making decisions about my social life based on how much walking I'd need to do, getting a wheelchair at the airport, and using a handicapped placard in my car.  This disability controlled my life.


Last week I finished my last round of physical therapy.   I am thankful to say it helped me.  I've been able to go grocery shopping, take short walks and stand while talking to others.   Things I used to take for granted.


Today I had an appointment.   When I pulled into the parking lot, there were only two spots available.  One was a handicapped spot right in front of the door.  The other was all the way down near the end of the lot.   By habit, I pulled into the handicapped spot and immediately the thought came to mind, “do I really need to park in the handicapped spot?”   I found myself backing out and driving to the end of the lot.   It was after my appointment when I was walking back to my car that I heard this still small voice say, “You are no longer handicapped so why do you act like you still are?”  


If you have ever had an epiphany moment, this was one of mine.   I had gotten comfortable being handicapped.  There were actually some benefits to it such as the parking and special assistance at the airport, and if I'm being honest, being able to use my handicap as an excuse to get out of doing what I didn't want to do.  I felt justified in asking for help.  It was ok at the time but all through this ordeal I had asked God to heal me and now that I was in a better place, I was afraid to let go.


This revelation went deeper than a physical handicap.   It affected me mentally and spiritually as well.   I was afraid to let go because then I wouldn't have anywhere to hide but in doing so, I gave power to fear.  


It affected me spiritually because I doubted God really cared about me.  The healing was taking too long and I was afraid I would never get my life back.


If you know God, you know He doesn't always do things our way.  This was a valley moment for me.   It's been a place of searching and questioning if I believed He was good and His Word was true.  I found myself telling Him, “God, I've done everything I know to do.”   That was the problem.  I've lived my life thinking nothing good happens unless I earn it.  I couldn't have been farther from the truth.  


I have to tell you that as I walked back and forth to my car, there was a sense of freedom.  It felt good.   Now, hopefully, I can look at my life through a different lens.  I have to be realistic because of my age.  There are some things I can't do now, like climbing ladders, but it's not because I'm handicapped,  it's just life and I'm learning to be ok with that.  

It's Not The End

By Eileen Glotfelty • May 23, 2026
Are you one of those people who like to read the end of the story before finishing the book? This morning I've been sitting here feeling overwhelmed by life. There are things that are out of my control and a lot of uncertainty. For someone who likes to have a plan, it's my worst nightmare. God's word says that He finishes what He starts and He will complete the good work in me (Philippians 1:6 NIV). I struggle with that when I can't see the finish line. God's word also says He's the Alpha and the Omega which means He is the beginning and the end (Rev 22:13 NIV). To me, that means that He sees it all. He knew where I would be on any given day. He knew my circumstances before I did, but unlike me, He's not worrying and overcome with anxiety because He sees the end. So, once again, I have a choice to make. I can sit here overwhelmed because I can't see the way out, or, I can trust the One who can. Will I choose hope or despair? This leads me to faith which is choosing to believe even though we can't see the outcome. I had to ask myself where I was putting my faith. Hope and faith work together. No amount of striving can earn them. Each one of us has access to them. All we have to do is ask the One who freely gives. Jesus, I know you've written my story and You know how it ends. Everything in this life is temporary. Even though I can't see the end, help me to rest in the fact that You do and I can trust You with my life.

The Lost Sheep

By Eileen Glotfelty • May 11, 2026
A few weeks ago I shared about my estranged child. Mother's Day came and went without a word. I spent the day wondering/hoping I would hear something. I didn't expect a phone call but maybe a text. I told myself not to have any expectations, but I still did. I was almost angry at myself for thinking maybe this year would be different. This morning I sat here talking to the Lord. He wants me to be honest with Him so I didn't try to hide the sorrow and the rejection. I told Him I was hurt and I had to forgive my child once again. He reminded me that I had three other children who hadn't forgotten me and made me feel loved and honored, so why was the rejection of one so painful? It was then I remembered the story of the lost sheep. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, it's about a shepherd who has a flock of a hundred sheep. One of them goes astray and the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to go find it. It was a gentle reminder that He will never give up on my child and He loves Him more than I could imagine. In the same way, God will never give up on any of us. No matter how much we run or push Him away, He will never leave us. I needed that encouragement, maybe you do too.

The Prodigal

By Eileen Glotfelty • April 19, 2026
For those of you who have a prodigal child, you're not alone. What I mean by prodigal is a child who has turned their back on you and put up walls of defense. It came as a surprise, a shock actually. I should've seen it coming but after years of butting heads, I truly thought we were in a better place. The revelation came in a letter where thoughts and feelings were shared. I felt my spirit being crushed as I read it and my heart broke. I know I wasn't the perfect mother. I had struggles and behaviors that had followed me since childhood. I had resolved never to treat my children the way I was treated, but how many of us know that sadly it still happens, but in a different way. When you have a prodigal, it's not about forgiveness and reconciliation, it's about the pain they feel we've inflicted and they can't let go of it. I keep hoping that some day, things will change but there's no guarantee as it takes two surrendered hearts that are open to be healed. It's been four years now since I received that letter. I have grieved in a way I never have before and there were times I didn't think I would make it through. It's a different kind of grief because you know it can change but it's out of your control. It's been a process and I've experienced rejection, abandonment, guilt and shame but it brought me to a place where I knew it was going to keep me in a prison of pain if I didn't surrender it to God so He could heal my heart. The Bible has a story about a prodigal son. Even though the son went his own way and abandoned his father, his father never gave up hope. When the son had an “aha” moment and realized how foolish he had been, he humbled himself and returned home. This is my favorite of the story: “So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20 NIV” This is how God greets everyone who returns to Him, no matter what they've done. I pray I would react the same way with my son. If you have a prodigal, my heart goes out to you, but just know that God sees you and your child. He is working behind the scenes as He is a God of redemption and reconciliation. He will heal your broken heart and give you the strength to hold on.