The Simple Things

 Sometimes, it's the simplest things that can mean the most. For caregivers, it may be when someone acknowledges the struggle in our journey. Maybe it's a simple phone call from an old friend, it doesn't even have to be very long! One memory comes to mind as I sit writing this. 

It was Mother's Day, and I had just been up to see my mom, who had dementia. On the way home, I decided that Chris and I would stop by a lake for some time in nature. I felt so swallowed up by life in that moment. I'd spent time with my mom, which was, as you know, so difficult when they are not really who they used to be. Then it was just Chris and me. 

I was lonely. I was hurting. It's difficult to be caught between two generations. One disappearning before my very eyes and the other needing full-time care. But as I was pushing Chris' chair up the hill to the lake overview, a kind stranger was leaving. We nodded as we passed each other on the trail. Then, he stopped. He turned around and said, "Happy Mother's Day." It was so simple. So sincere. I felt it to the core of my being. And it meant something to me.

It didn't seem like much and he knew absolutely nothing about my story except what he could see. (He took a safe guess and got it right. lol) This simple kind gesture resonated through my being and made my day. 

This memory came to mind as I was thinking about one of the least mentioned Bible characters of all time. (I think.) She's actually not mentioned in a single verse, only implied.

I am referring to the feeding of the 5000. The disciples discovered that all they had was a boy's lunch, most likely packed by his mother. There is no mention of her in any of the gospel accounts. She had no idea as she packed the small lunch for her son that morning that Jesus would use it do to a miracle. It was just a simple, mundane task. She did it every day. But it mattered. In fact, it mattered to Jesus and over 5000 people that day.

The things we do for our loved ones every day are not unnoticed by God. In fact, many people notice them, but may lack opportunity to let you know that they see. I recently talked with a friend who received a scary medical diagnosis. I called to encourage her and the first thing she said was Now I know what courage is. Just like you taking care of your son. That hit me so hard. We hadn't talked in nearly 20 years, and that's the first thing out of the box? I didn't know she was watching. I didn't know anyone cared. But it mattered to her.

Even though our tasks seem mundane, repetitive, or difficult to us, it doesn't mean that they don't matter to God. He sees. Can you imagine how excitedly God watched that mama pack her son's lunch that morning? He knew what Jesus was going to do with his lunch, even though she had no idea.

I love that God can take our daily tasks and turn them into miracles. He doesn't consult us. He may not ever tell us. We may never know how He uses what we do every day. But God doesn't waste a thing.

Today, I'll remind myself that He sees. He knows. And He is in the day-to-day tasks of caregiving. I'll think about how much bigger His plans are than mine could ever be. He hasn't cancelled any promise due to caregiving, and He never will. I will wait for Him today as I trust Him with one more day. Will you join me? 

Check out my latest release. Command Your Morning part 2. This 31-day devotional is the second one in my series Command Your Morning. (Yes, I already started on part 3 - and you're gonna love it!) Take a 31-day journey through Psalm 119 as you practice setting your intention to point your heart at God each day. It's available on Kindle and Print. Check it out!