Remember

Memorial Day which was originally called Decoration Day is a day when we remember those who have died in service of our country. It is also a day when we often remember loved ones who have gone ahead of us into heaven. 

Remembering is a good thing especially when it reminds us of happy memories from our past. Dear caregiver, perhaps you are remembering happy memories from your past experiences with your loved one. Although your loved one is still with you, perhaps things have changed due to your loved one's illness or disability. You may be wishing that the days gone past could return, and your heart aches with longing for those days now past.

Remember something else, however, dear caregiver. You are exactly where you are supposed to be in your life right now. It is a God's ordained thing that you are your loved one's caregiver at this moment in time. Remember too God has promised to always be with you. He has said, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you. (Hebrews 13:3b) Care-giving can be very discouraging and tax all your emotional, physical, and spiritual strength, but the Lord is with you each step of the way. 

There were many days when I was my husband's caregiver that I felt as if I could not go on one more day. Yet God always provided a way. He will do the same for you, dear caregiver. There is one verse in Psalms 32 which has become meaningful to me. It says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you (Psalms 32:8 NIV). Often in my care-giving days and even in my post care-giving days I didn't/ don't have a clue what I was doing, but God promised and continues to promise to lead me. He will do the same for you dear caregiver.

Remember too that others are watching you, as you care for your loved one. They see Jesus in you. I know you are saying “But they don't see all my moments of impatience and sometimes lack of joy in what I am doing.” Remember, however, that the Lord sees your sacrifice and love for your loved one. So do others who are watching. 

Recently I was in a store. I saw a man helping his disabled wife or mother buy clothes. I am pretty sure this was outside his comfort zone, but he was making this love gift for his loved one. I was so touched by what I saw that I went to the car and got one of my books and gave it to him. I told him how much I appreciated what he was doing. Others are watching Jesus in you as well, dear caregiver. You are doing God's work. Praise God for what you are doing! 

Finally, remember that care-giving is shaping you to become an even more beautiful reflection of Jesus in the days ahead. No difficulty in our lives is ever wasted in God's kingdom. God is using you today, and He will use you in the future because of your care-giving experiences.