Today is World Day of Prayer. How appropriate for the first Friday of the month, when we alway pray together. It’s also Caregiver Appreciation Day. Caregiving can be rewarding, exhausting, heartbreaking and up lifting. And those feelings can change on a dime. I can’t think of a better prayer to offer today than a prayer for the caregiver. (It’s also National If Pets Had Thumbs Day, but I wouldn’t know where to begin praying for that!)
The term caregiver covers a lot of ground. It can be a family member or a paid helper who looks after a child, the sick, the elderly or disabled. In just my close family we have foster parents, adults taking care of their elderly parents, adults taking care of their sick spouses and Chuck and I taking care of our disabled daughter. I know for us personally, there are moments I’m not sure we can continue to do it, and moments we can’t imagine our lives any other way. But caregiving is always a lot.
If you fall into the caregiving category, seek out some social supports for yourself, if you don’t already have them. Find ways to take breaks when at all possible, and look into counseling if you feel overwhelmed. Caregiving can be isolating, so stay involved in church to the extent you can and ask for help! And pray this scripture over yourself or others you know in this situation:
“I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 NIV
If you are a caregiver, I see you. I am you. Know that you are not alone and I am praying for you. If you have a specific prayer request or just need an ear to listen, please send me a message to [email protected]t. It would be an honor. And if you don’t want to miss a Praying God’s Word post, subscribe over on the right hand side of this page.
And now for this week’s featured post from the link up!
I don’t know if it’s because my baby is a senior in high school this year, but Lois Flower’s post The Unexpected Blessing of a Newly Surfaced Photo gave me all the nostalgic feels. Thanks, Lois.
The Link Up
1. Share 1 or 2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. (No DIY, crafts, recipes, or inappropriate articles.) All links are randomly sorted.
2. Comment on 1 or 2 other links. Grace & Truth linkup encourages community.
3. Every host features one entry from the previous week. To be featured, include this button or link back here on your post (mandatory to be featured, but not to participate).
We encourage you to follow our hosts on their blogs or social media.
MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
LAUREN SPARKS
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
LISA BURGESS – Lisa notes
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TAMMY KENNINGTON – Restoring hope. Pursuing peace.
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Now Let’s Link Up!
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Amy Johnson says
Wow! That’s a lot of care givers in one family. Such a beautiful prayer for caregivers
Lauren says
Thank you, Amy. Happy Friday!
Lois Flowers says
Lauren, thanks for sharing my post … I’m right there with you about those nostalgic feels for our babies who are seniors. 🙂 Even more importantly, your encouragement for caregivers is so wise, kind and empathetic …
Lauren says
It is my pleasure to share your work. And thank your for praying with me.
Lisa notes says
I thank God for all the caregivers! You have my unending respect, Lauren. I’ve only been a part-time caregiver in the past when my parents were in their final years, so my heart goes out to those of you who do it day in and day out.
Lauren says
That is kind of you, Lisa.
Rebecca Jones says
I was always the caregiver but after multiple surgeries in 2021, I have found myself on the other end of that. I am so blessed to be walking better and with a prayer warrior mother who can still drive as she approaches 80. We sow and we reap, let’s keep sowing His love and peace as He gives us the strength to do so.
Lauren says
I’m glad you are doing better a well! Thank you for weighing in, Rebecca!
Maree Dee says
Thank you for acknowledging all of us that call ourselves caregivers. I appreciate your prayers. I am highlighting your article on my Pinterest Board—”Grace & Truth Christian Link-up | Featured Posts.”
https://www.pinterest.com/embracingtheune/grace-truth-christian-link-up-featured-posts/
Lauren says
Thanks so much, Maree. I am praying for you right now.
Tammy L Kennington says
Lauren,
This is beautiful and you’re right, caregiving is isolating. Thank you for the encouragement.
Blessings,
Tammy
Lauren says
Thank you for praying with me, Tammy!