My heart is longing to see my friends from the support group meetings, Walk to End Alzheimer’s Committee, and who work in the field of caregiving. Many of you make sacrifices every single day to meet the needs of others. You are not honored with parades and cheers like the front line workers during this pandemic. You work the same long hours though. Your protective gear is invisible. It is an armor made of compassion, patience, calmness and love. You fend off insults, anger and resentment when the one you care for is lost in a sea of fog. Their brain prevents them from seeing you are protecting them. They only see you as trying to control them.
The ones who recover from covid-19 will turn and thank their doctors and nurses. The one you care for may smile on a good day but you will most likely not here the words thank you come from their lips. You forge ahead with no pay if you are a home caregiver or with too little pay if you are employed in the field.
Today I want you to at least read these words. THANK YOU! I see your hearts and they are beautiful. If it was possible I would send you on a month long vacation that included meals, massages, and fun. You deserve it. I cannot do that but I can offer encouragement.
We all know that when Jesus was on the earth in human form, he experienced what we do. Sometimes you can read a passage in the bible and it seems to jump off the page at you. This one did for me this week.
“Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:31-33
He knew what it was like to be alone. He reassures us that God was with him and we can know the same peace. What we are experiencing now has made our jobs more difficult, but this is not the end of our story.
My days as a caregiver for a loved one may not be over. I may face it again during this life; however, I know going into it again that it will make me stronger and better. I once told a grandchild than God expands my capacity to love with each new grandchild. Perhaps, He expands my capacity to love with each new person I provide care for.
You have had your hearts expanded. Allow God to use you in a wonderful way.
Word for Today
I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” Jeremiah 31:25
Song for Today
Prayer for Today
Dear God,
I come to you today to thank you for the many friends I have met along the way. I lift them up to you today. Draw them close to you and let them feel your strength. Breathe new life into their hearts and souls. Reassure them that you see their sacrifices and burdens. Let them know your love will carry them on the hardest of days.
They are warriors, but even warriors get wounded. Guard their hearts when criticism or harsh words come their way. Be their hiding place to run to when they hurt. Give them an armor that only you can constantly mend through your own compassion and grace.
Bless them.
Amen
Walking Them Home 