How Many Towels?

Special moment between niece and uncle

 There are those times when caregivers become overwhelmed. We often suffer from caregiver burnout, and many times, even most times, there's nothing we can do about it. I've found a few ways to TAP out during the day. I can sometimes just sit and sip a cup of tea while my son watches something on TV. I'm working on a book outline that provides tons of creative ideas for how caregivers can relieve stress. 

This morning, I was just way overwhelmed. Things just piled up - Chris has a small wound that has to be addressed, I'm behind on work, money is tight, I need a new vehicle, possible job opening up... deep breath. And most of that is not even caregiving Lol. I know you get it - no matter what your list looks like!

As my mind went through all the things I need to do to care for my son (myself not included), first I realized I wasn't sure when I had had a shower. Secondly, I wondered if I could throw in the proverbial towel. Of course, the thought was fleeting and I would never do that. But if I could arrange a day off and trust that my son was well taken care of - that would be nice. It's also a pipe dream at this point.

One of the things I've learned is to turn my concerns and thoughts into prayers, so I did that. And as I began to give each situation to God, my heart felt a little lighter. I realized that He will never throw in the towel or quit on me. Somehow I drew strength in that truth - that God won't quit. He won't walk away. He won't emotionally check out. He just stays with me no matter what. 

We can describe our lives as dark nights of the soul, rocky terrain, stormy seas, or anything else that comes to mind. But Isaiah 43:1 reminds us that God will stay with us through floods and fires. In fact, I have to say that most of the time - He's carrying me anymore. When I think I cannot possibly take another step - there He is to help me take it - just like I help my son take steps. He can get from his wheelchair to the recliner with my help - I can get from morning to night with the help of God. 

Today, I'll remind myself that God has me. He's holding me up. He's carrying me. He is pouring in His life and His strength just so I can survive another day. And just about the time I want to throw in the towel, He's going to hand me a clean, new one just to be sure I can make it through the day. I'll turn my thoughts to how He cares for me and keeps my soul - no matter how crazy it gets in my head. I'm pretty sure at this point that I can trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?


Check out the backstory on my son and how I became a caregiver and how I've survived with God's help in this interview I did for SkyTalkRadio!

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cover of the devotional Peace Out


BOOK OF THE WEEK


Peace Out!


• Did you know God gave us peace and never took it back?
• Do you need a little help refocusing your day?
•Are there really some practical steps to letting God’s peace reign in our hearts?


When the pandemic hit, we were inundated with information and misinformation. I woke up just a day or two into the mass confusion and realized that God’s peace didn’t expire in 2020. What He’d given us was still in tact and applicable to our daily lives, chaotic though they may have been. That’s when the Peace Out devotionals began live on Facebook – and continue to today.

This 31-day devotional takes a good look at peace and offers practical application on how to let it reign day after day. The presence of a storm, trial, or tribulation doesn’t negate God’s peace.

Get the eBook:


Kindle & Print 



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