The Caregiver (06/11/2025)

I noticed him sitting quietly, staring at nothing. I wanted to go to him and offer my support or ask how he was doing, but he’d told me earlier when I’d noticed something was amiss that he and his wife were going through some things but that they were private people and he didn’t want to talk about it. And so, honoring his wishes, I stayed away. I stopped and watched him for a bit. My heart was moved to pray for him, to turn him, his wife and their needs over to the LORD who knew all things.

Seeing him made me realize all over again how hard it is to be a caregiver for another who is suffering. We tend to reach out to the one with the illness which we should, but we also need to be aware of the ones walking with them, caring for them, suffering with them moment to moment. I thought of myself and the many times I’ve needed help in recovering or getting through treatments and of my husband’s presence and care.

As we journey in faith, hope and love, let us be aware of those along the way who are giving care to another and let us hold them in our hearts, our minds, and our prayers, just as we hold those who are being cared for in our hearts, our minds and our prayers. And along the way, if we are called upon to be the caregiver for another, let us seek the help of the Spirit who sustained our LORD on the way so that He might do the will of the Father and love well through the pain and suffering.

In the end, we know that it is all about love. Will we be able to love well in the difficult and ugly moments? Will we be able to love well even when we feel drained to the bone? Will we be able to love well when another needs it the most?

We can always look upon the crucifix at our Savior, Jesus Christ. He had no sin. Yet He cared for us who were sinners through the redeeming treatment. Indeed, we can look to Christ for help along the way. He understands well the cost of being the caregiver.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.