To Those Who Carry the Burden...

Yesterday was July 4th, our country's Independence Day. The celebrations are nice, and July 4th has always held special importance in my heart, as my hometown has a tradition of big fireworks and celebrations. The 4th is also the first day I woke up in my current hometown and the day that I asked my wife to be my wife.

Because it was a day of celebration, I want to use today’s post to celebrate someone else: caretakers. Being a caretaker for someone who needs support can be very difficult and, at times, overwhelming. There are so many moments when you are watching someone you care about struggle with pain, emotional distress, or frustration, and all you can do is be there.

For anyone who is involved in a caregiving situation, Jesus recognizes the strength you are exerting and the love you are showing. He tells us in Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Your struggles, challenges, and efforts are seen and appreciated. Even in those dark times, know that you are doing something special and exactly what the Lord Jesus would ask of you. We pray for you and pray that your strength continues as you work through this situation. Remember to take time for yourself as well. You must care for yourself so that you can carry the burdens of your loved ones. You are amazing. You are special. You are capable. You are loved. Thank you for doing what you do.

I write this now knowing the end of my situation, but during it, this message is something I had to keep repeating to myself. At times, I would get lost in the work and not realize how deeply I was getting lost in myself. At some points, it felt like I could do no more because I was trying so hard, and the bad news just kept coming.

But...

Then something happened that changed everything.

Sometimes God speaks in the places we least expect. For me, it happened in a Kroger parking lot.

That's when I spoke to the Lord, and He spoke back.

I'll share that story next time.

Talk again soon…..