Everyday Things

 This morning, I had an old hymn come across my mind. This tune is now stuck in my head, and I am humming, "Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before. Every day with Jesus, I love Him more and more..." You may or may not know the song, but as I was singing it in my mind, I thought about the truth the words carry. 

No one will argue that the caregiver's journey is loaded with challenges, struggles, and pain. Of course, it also presents wins, triumphs, and joys! One of the things that keeps me going is knowing that God has me and doesn't leave me when the road gets rocky or difficult. He's an everyday kind of God. I don't have to go climb a mountain to find Him. I don't even have to go to church to pray. He is so real. So right now. So present. And even though the journey is a difficult one on many levels and full of everyday things that just have to be done, I must say my walk with God has changed over the last 15 years.

Our everyday God matches our everyday struggles. He matches our journey step by step and never misses a sleepless night, long hospital stays, or a chocolate pudding day! (smile) In reality, He doesn't miss a thing, not even the slightest sigh or silent tear. God gets our emotions - all of them, yet remains present through all of our everyday things.

One of my go-to verses is Psalm 46:1. The psalmist reminds us that God is present, not just available, and is our help in times of need. People often say they are available, and they mean it - but they are not with us on this journey. As a matter of fact, He never leaves us and never sleeps on the job! There is no experience, situation, or emotion that is off-limits to His grace, mercy, and love. I love that about God.

Today, I'll remind myself that no matter how I feel  - God is near, and my everyday stuff doesn't scare Him away. I'll take a few moments to thank Him for walking this caregiving journey with me, for always being near, and for carrying me as needed. Maybe I'll lean in a little closer to hear His heart beat for me. He's been here all along, no matter who stayed or who left. So, I think I will trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?

                                                                                                                               

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.