Duh. Of course He cares. 1 Peter 5:7 tells us to cast all our cares upon Him because He cares for us. Luke 12:7 says that even the hairs on our head are numbered. And of course He knows. He knows everything. He's not called omniscient for nothing. No, whatever the cause, He's allowed this for our good. Whether it's to instill in us patience, gentleness, kindness; to teach us to be more dependent on Him; or to give my mom the opportunity to see that she is loved, this is not without purpose. He has plans for us and they are for our good, not harm (Jeremiah 29:11).
In this season of caregiving, I am so thankful for my husband. I can't imagine doing this without his support. I hear of a lot of husbands who wouldn't have their mothers-in-law living with them, so I know mine is a man among men. He's very good with my mom; sometimes she tells me he's better with her than I am! Though I have to confess that stings a little, I'm also grateful that he's so caring and considerate of her. I know he's not perfect, and he gets frustrated like I do on occasion, but still, I have a keeper!
Today I offer this prayer:
Thank You, Lord, for my husband; for the kindness he shows my mom and, by extension, the love he shows to me. Thank You for the blessing he is to our family, the example he is to our children. Bless him as only You can. Strengthen and keep him; guide him in wisdom and knowledge. Give him a long and healthy life to serve You and testify to Your goodness. May he follow You and keep representing You well so that others would fall in love with You also. Make him a worshipper and a warrior for Your glory. Amen.
Dear Susan, I admire and appreciate how you admit the difficulties of caregiving while also choosing to trust God cares and is using the situation for everyone's good.
ReplyDeleteYes, you have a keeper of a husband. And your mother has a wonderful daughter.
Blessings as you continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus to your loved ones. May you feel His hands holding you up too.
Thanks for your encouragement and blessings, Wendy. Caregiving is challenging, for sure, but God is good. Always.
DeleteCaring for elders is so difficult. I know, because we went through it with our parents. It's not that we don't love them, but as you said, sometimes we don't have the energy with everything else in our busy lives. I appreciate your vulnerability and the way you look to God for strength.
ReplyDeleteYes, I thought afterwards that I should have said that I do love my mother. Of course we do. Just a hard season in our lives. I know many understand, as you do.
DeleteThank you for your honesty in the challenges of caring for your mom. You have a treasure in your husband, and I prayed your prayer with you. God bless you in the sometimes-challenging days ahead.
ReplyDeleteThank you for praying along with me, Sandi. I love that!
DeleteYou truly do have an awesome husband. May the Lord help you THROUGH your troubles for your edification and his glory.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bruce. The Lord walks with us THROUGH the valleys of life and brings us safely to the other side. There are "blessons" we can't receive without struggle as I'm sure you know well.
DeleteFrom reading your beautiful post, Susan, your husband is a keeper indeed. A loving tribute to him in this difficult time as you both care for your mom. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDelete