What does saving for a rainy day mean?
In the financial world we are advised to have an emergency fund for things like job loss, unexpected events such as natural disasters and emergency illnesses. We should also have a rainy day fund for things that we know will happen, but we just don’t know when. Examples include car repairs, a washing machine that dies or a leak in the toilet. It is just as important to set aside savings for the rainy day fund as it is for the emergency fund.
All caregivers need a practical rainy day closet. This is where we stash easy art projects, favorite music, puzzle collections, scrapbooks, photo albums or anything that might bring pleasure on a miserable day. Boredom leads to wandering and poor behavior for young children and seniors with dementia. I learned this the hard way. Just turning my back on young grandchildren for a few minutes could result in an amazing array of things pulled out and explored. Turning my back on my mother to wash dishes proved to be a disaster as well. I heard her open the refrigerator. Then I heard a commotion. I turned to see mom removing everything. I asked, “What are you doing?”. She replied, “I am cleaning out this refrigerator.”. It was keeping her busy, so I returned to my dishes. Then I heard the door to the garage close. I looked around to see an empty refrigerator and a full counter. I peeked into the garage to see her busily sweeping. Since the garage was closed, I felt that she was safe so I replaced the food. Next the door opened and closed. Then I heard the door to the freezer open. When I turned around, Mom had a butcher knife and was stabbing the ice in the freezer to get ice instead of using the dispenser in the door. I gently convinced her to hand me the knife , breathed a sigh f relief and prayed she would be ready for a nap soon.
I quickly learned to keep both grandchildren and my mom safely occupied. This resulted in having a stash of coloring books, colored pencils (these don’t melt in the car like crayons), reading materials, games and toys stashed in a special spot for the grandkids. At mom’s house we placed hummingbird and regular bird feeders near the windows. We had a collection of Bill Gaither dvds near the television. All you have to do is think about their interest and begin stocking the closet for a rainy day.
Caregivers also need a well stocked closet for themselves that they can turn to on a rainy day. You know the days I am talking about. They are the ones when the tears roll down your cheeks like raindrops. They are the ones that have drained your joy, energy, emotions and spirits. In this closet keep scriptures that reassure you. Add to this songs that encourage you. Save devotions that you read that spoke to your heart. Have a huge post it note on the closet door to remind you to offer praise even in the storm. I have found that praising God in the middle of the storm keeps my hope and faith focused on the good rather than sinking down into the pit of despair. Sometimes we will slip in the mud but we don’t have to remain stuck! God is so faithful to turn those tears into a refreshing stream that he leads us beside.
The beauty of having those rainy day closets well stocked is shown in this story. One man that I came to love when volunteering had a beautiful scrapbook that his daughter made. It told the story of his life through photos, newspaper clippings and her notes. He loved to look at it even though he had no memory of what was in it. He would always stop at the photo of his wife and comment on how beautiful this woman was. When he was having a down day someone would look at it with him. That book gave me volumes of information on how to relate to him. He had been a chemist so when I gave him a cookie he would break it into pieces. I would then talk about molecular structure and chemical makeup of the cookie. He would get a smile on his face and thoroughly make a mess, but it was a happy mess.
Someone had donated dolls that looked and felt like real babies. The employees had seen the many photos of him with his children and grandchildren. They walked him to the baby corner. He instantly cuddled a baby on his chest and gave it kisses on the cheek. This became his morning routine. Perhaps you can make a book like this for your rainy day closet.
A few nights ago, my mind was troubled by all of the news stories. I know that God is in control; however, the enemy always wants to place fear in our hearts and minds. I decided to replace those thoughts with God’s peace. I went into the bedroom and searched for music that soothed my soul. When I closed my eyes, I was at peace. Perhaps you should look for songs that bring you peace.
Rainy days will come. We should prepare for them before we face them.
Word for Today
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16
Song for Today
Prayer for Today
Dear God,
We praise you for the rainy days. That is the time that you prove your faithfulness to us. As we turn to your Word, let it be planted deep in us, so that we can be reminded in the storms that you are with us.
Give us ideas as caregivers of how to nourish the minds, hearts and souls of those we care for as well as ourselves. Give us creative ideas. Give us courage to remain steadfast on the good days and the bad.
Great are you Lord!
Amen
Walking Them Home 