My best friend taught me something years ago. It is important when I am uptight about things to stop and ask myself, “Five years from now will this matter?”. That simple question helps me to put things into perspective. Rocking a grandchild to sleep and then holding them even after they are asleep really is more important than putting them down and washing the laundry. Grandchildren grow too big to do this in five years. There will be laundry to do always.
Devoting yourself to being the best caregiver possible will matter five years from now. Whether the one you care for is still here in five years or if you are no longer in the situation, you will be a very different person. You will be able to look back and cherish the good moments shared. You will be able to move on as a stronger person. You will be able to go to sleep at night knowing you gave your best and not toss and turn struggling with regrets.
There will be long days that leave you battle scarred. It will not always be easy. The tough days provide you opportunities to develop patience, offer forgiveness, walk by faith and express love at a greater capacity than you thought possible.
There will never be an awards show to recognize your outstanding devotion and service. There is not a salary high enough to compensate you for the long hours. Most of your sacrifice will only be seen by the one you care for. I believe deep in my heart that even those who had bad relationships in the past can still find love is given and received between the caregiver and the one that are caring for. The hidden gems may be found in a hand squeeze, a smile or even peaceful silence. If you look hard enough you will find them.
Taking time to reflect will reassure you that the choices you are making now do matter and will still matter in five years. Fashions change, music styles change, social agenda changes and technology changes. Live in the moment with the person you can for. They are changing each day. You can never get them back but you can always catch up to the other things changing around you.
Always remember when asking the question above, that each choice we make matters to God who never changes. In looking for a song to feature today, I took a trip to my days of serving in youth ministry. It reminds me that when we serve as caregivers we are God’s hands and feet. We serve Him when we make the choices to love no matter what the cost.
Word for Today
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. I Peter 4:10
Song for Today
Prayer for Today
Our Loving Heavenly Father,
I come to you knowing you see every day. You see the times I get it right and when I really mess up. My desire is to be the best caregiver I can be. Forgive me as I get angry and help me forgive when my loved one gets angry with me. Be patient with me even when I lose my patience. The only way I can do this is with your help.
I choose to love and serve with these hands and this heart you have given me. I choose to serve as if I am serving you. Any accolades I receive, help me to lay them at your feet so You alone receive the glory.
Amen
Walking Them Home 