Salty Seasons

 Sometimes, I have tons of questions. Why did this or that have to happen? Why is it happening to my family? What happened to "normal"? There have been many questions along the caregiving journey. Over the last 15 years, I've been the caregiver to my son, and for three of those years, I was also the caregiver for my Aunt Polly. Periodically, I got to keep my mom for a week here and there as well. I must say, It's been a salty season.

Salty seasons are part of life, aren't they? I found a little comfort in my reading this morning. In Mark 9:49, Jesus said that everyone will be seasoned with fire. What did He mean by that? In context, the disciples had been arguing about who was going to be the greatest once Jesus set up His kingdom. This line of thinking demonstrated how far short they were of understanding His kingdom was not an earthly reign but a supernatural eternal reign. 

Next, the disciples were asking about someone who was doing the works of Christ but wasn't in their little clique. (my words, not his) John said that they told him to stop because he "wasn't following us." Jesus explained that whoever was with them - was with them. Then, He said that everyone would go through the fire. In the natural, everyone mentioned in this chapter is about to go through the fire of the cross. The question then becomes if they will still hold on and still believe. Don't we live that out as caregivers day after day?

Caregivers are furnace walkers. Not only were we thrown into life's fire like the three Hebrew children - but we walk around in it day after day with little natural relief. But the good news is that God is walking in the fire with us. The fire brings out true character. It helps us define the lines of belief. Fiery trials test our faith. (Boy, do we know about that!) But take a look around - we're still standing. We're still pursuing Him. We are still chasing Him and experiencing His peace, love, care, and comfort right in the middle of the salty season. 

Today, I'll remind myself that God is still on the throne and none of life's difficulties or circumstances are big enough or bad enough to dethrone the King who lives in me. I'll turn my thoughts to how He has miraculously sustained me and my faith during this season of life. And I'll encourage myself by reminding my brain that He isn't going to stop carrying me now! I'll keep reminding myself of His staying and keeping power as I continue to be refined like salt. Boy, are we a flavorful bunch! Let's trust God for one more day, shall we?

                                                                                                                                  

Check out my Resources!

If you enjoy this devotional, perhaps you'd enjoy some of the other things I have been working on. I have my own website bookstore with devotionals, study guides, and other materials just waiting for you to download and enjoy. Here are a few suggestions.

You can download Poems for Caregivers from my website. It's on my free download page. It contains poems I've written as well as a special poem that was written by my grandmother.

Are you looking for a new devotional? I have written several devotionals, and I'm currently working on some new ones that should become available soon. As a caregiver, I found a lot of comfort and direction from Psalm 31. So, I wrote a devotional, 31 Days in Psalm 31 - what it's like to spend 31 days in a cave with God. It's available on my bookstore and on Amazon on Kindle or for print-on-demand.

In the mood for a new study guide? I have written six great study guides so far. They vary in length and topic, but they are all powerful and moving. Each of them will take you on a journey to discover more about yourself and your relationship with God. They are great tools to help you to grow as a believer. most of them are on Amazon and in my bookstore.