When Autopilot Fails

in the standing frame again!

 Our brains have this built-in mechanism that programs the things we do often so we don't have to use brain energy to think about them. Let me prove it to you! Have you ever gotten up to go to another part of the house but discovered that you turned into the kitchen on the way? You're standing there scratching your head trying to figure out why you went that way when your intention was to go somewhere else. Your brain realized you were near the kitchen and since that's a frequent choice it just opted for you to follow out that action.

It's a God-given gift, really, and meant to keep our brains from having to think through all the thousands of menial tasks we have to carry out each day. I'm thinking this protection is probably even on overdrive in the caregiver's brain. Lol. 

This is on my mind this morning because one of my autopilot tasks failed. I upload videos to YouTube and TikTok every day (consider joining me on TikTok for some caregiving videos! @jeanie.olinger). My brain automatically goes through the correct sequence leaving me not having to think about the process too much. But not today! YouTube was acting up and I had to stop and think. Lol. Imagine that!

The odd part for me was how frustrating it was. As caregivers, every moment is so full, we don't often have time for stuff like breathing and thinking. :-) 

I'm so glad I can hide "under the shelter of the almighty." (Psalm 91:1) And He never tells me to leave until I can gather myself. He doesn't tell me He can't "put up" with my emotions or crazy-crazy thoughts. As a matter of fact, Jesus said when we are heavy laden or underneath a load to come to Him. That's when He will give us rest. I love that God never kicks me out of the shelter!

Today, I'll remind myself that God is in this for the long haul too. No emotions, feelings, or thoughts are off limits and He's not going to kick me out until I can "do better." He takes me and accepts me baggage and all! I'll spend some time today thanking Him for riding out life's storm with me and I will remind myself that I can trust Him for one more day - He will let me do that! Will you join me?




Cover of 31 Days in Psalm 31

Check out my books including this devotional, 31 Days in Psalm 31! It's available in my Amazon store along with a number of other devotionals and Bible study guides. 

You can also get the ebook from Buy Me a Coffee. This is my new shop and I provide updates on printing efforts in Pakistan. 31 Days has been translated to Urdu and is next up to be printed!


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