November 6

Caregiving is a calling and a challenge. You pour out your love daily by meeting the needs, offering comfort, giving your best to your loved one—usually without any recognition. In a world that measures worth by achievement, it may be easy to look around and wonder if you are making a difference.

Ecclesiastes reminds us that much of what the world strives for is driven by comparison. While people may think that validation from others—measuring our success based off their standards—is the ultimate goal, it isn’t. I’m reminded of a Dave Ramsey remark about living in debt. “We buy things we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t like.” It may not be scripture, but it smacks of the same heart position a lot of us live with everyday.

While you give your compassionate care, do not look to the world for validation, where finding fault is becoming a national pastime. When we act as caregivers, we should aim to reflect the heart of Christ. Every meal prepared, loving word, and gentle touch can be a testimony of your faith. You don’t need to do it better than the other people in your support group. Each of us has our own situation and skills that make each caregiving scenario unique. And remember, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossian 3:23).

Prayer for today:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the opportunity to serve you while I give care to my loved one. Strengthen my spirit when I am discouraged. Help my work to be a reflection of you so that every word and deed points people to Christ and not to the world. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.