This quote may be offensive to you. You may have a heart that is shattered into a million pieces and you are not at the point of thanking God for allowing it to be broken. When the pain subsides, you may feel differently. Brokenness allows many things to come to the surface that have been hidden away for years such as anger, doubt, fear or resentment.
Brokenness leads to reflection sometimes. I have revisited the journey of walking my mom and dad to their final home. Questions run through my mind. Did I give caring for them my best? What could I have done better? Did I allow God to mold me into a better person in the process? Will I remain faithful to live the life God has called me to? Will I be strong as I walk my mother-in-law to her final home? Will I share the message of hope that others need as they walk with their loved ones?
One way I can make sure I do my best is by relying on God to do His best. Let me explain. Most of you have heard the name Ebenezer Scrooge from Charles Dicken’s Christmas Carol. While Scrooge took a while to transform his character, we sometimes take time as God transforms us. The word ebenezer actually comes from the bible. Israel had experienced a great victory due to God’s intervention. Ebenezer means “stone of help.” Samuel erected a stone and called it ebenezer as a tangible reminder to the people of God’s act to help them. The “stone of help” marked the spot where the enemy had been routed and God’s promise to bless His repentant people had been honored.
Today I need to take time to add my own stones to a wall of reminder of God’s assistance. They will be there to encourage me as my journey of caregiving continues. God has moved mountains and opened doors just when I needed it the most. There were many days that I hid and let tears flow when I felt like I just couldn’t make any more tough decisions. In those moments I ran under God’s shelter and He was my refuge where I could rest and let Him fight my battles. I could give specific examples; however, your situation will have your own unique circumstances of when God helped you.
One thing I do know is that this is my story and my truth. While others may tune my voice out when they hear God in my story, others will realize that if God was there for me, He is there for them as well. If you trust God to guide you as a caregiver, you can be confident that He will.
This post has sat as a draft until today. Since I began writing it, my mother-in-law and a dearly loved aunt and uncle have passed away. My heart has been shattered and broken once more. God is bringing peace as I sit in His presence. I am allowing the healing to make me stronger.
God will take your fear, pain, frustration and burdens and carry the load so you can survive. He understands and sees the long hours and isolation that you feel as a caregiver. Every tear that falls and every prayer is noticed and heard. You are not alone. Keep believing. You will join me in building a wall to remind us of the times God showed up in our journey. As I build, I will be here to encourage you and share what helped me as a caregiver. Be blessed.
Word for Today
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
Prayer for Today
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come today in brokeness trusting you to restore our strength. Enable us to serve as caregivers under your guidance and direction. Give us wisdom. Give us courage. Give us peace. Send finances and people to assist us when we are carrying a load that can be overwhelming. Hear our heart cry out to you when words don’t come to express the depths of our pain.
We stand in faith trusting you.
Amen
i
Walking Them Home 