The Pacer

One thing I love about my apartment is the bay windows stretching across the living room. As I was sitting here yesterday writing the blog post, I noticed two young men (kids, really) running down the sidewalk across the street. The older, taller boy was running out ahead of a smaller boy. I smiled, and thought about how tall the younger one was going to be when he grows into his long legs. Lol.

Shortly after the two went out of view, a couple more kids came running by. Just happened to be a boy and a girl, mid-teens at least. But what caught my eye was that, even though he was taller and older than his female running partner, they were at the same pace. His legs were obviously much longer than hers, but they were running side-by-side. I realized he had slowed down to keep pace with her, even though he could have run far ahead! 

I think God does that with us. He adjusts His pace to match our day and the way we are able to handle it. Some days go smoothly. We can clip along emotionally and physically at a better pace. Things go smoothly and we (maybe) don't feel quite as far behind. He can match that.

Then there are days when we wake up tired and no matter how hard we push or how long we work, we feel overcome and sluggish. He can keep up (or down) with that pace too. He will not run out ahead. He won't fall behind. He will make sure that His pace matches ours exactly.

Jesus told the disciples that He was asking the Father to give them the Holy Spirit, the Counselor. The word He used means "one who comes alongside to help." (John 14:15-21) The Greek word, parakletos that He used has multiple meanings, including: Advocate, Counselor, Helper, or Comforter. He is here walking alongside us on our journeys.

I love that He can keep pace with us, no matter how slow or how fast we can navigate our days physically, emotionally, and any other wise!

Today, as I walk, run, or crawl, I will be thankful that God stays right beside me. I'll think about how He is always in my here, and never running out ahead hoping I can catch up, or lagging behind. He stays right beside me as a sign of His constant companionship. When He is beside me, He can whisper in my ear to keep going when I need encouragement. He's in a position to catch me if I trip (and boy, do I trip a LOT!). He is near enough to hear if my breathing rate increases or decreases with the strain of the run. I will imagine He is running alongside me as I tackle one more day. Will you join me?

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Affirmations for Caregivers

I wrote Affirmations for Caregivers because it was what I needed to hear! This 31-day journal includes 31 scripturally based affirmations. Each day, the affirmation is followed by a short writing prompt and a verse or two to read. I also have videos on YouTube that coincide with each day's affirmation.