HOW TO APPROACH CARE GIVING

I view extemporaneous writing as a challenging exercise.  So here goes:

"The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."  Isa.58:11

 The passing of time is a journey.  The passing of time is transforming and life is never the same after recalling memories from the past.  Random thoughts, stray thoughts simply remind me what it has been like to be a care giver.
As time carries on, we celebrate today. Gone are the days when most days are abundantly stressful.
 Gone are the days of juggling.  Gone are the days of hanging on.  Gone are the days when you feel like you are falling apart, however, what is not gone are the days when anything can be taken at any moment.

"Your strength will equal your days." Deut.33:25

Gone are the days that were fast, yet long, a reminder of the rewards that eventually outweighed challenges.
Gone are the days I feel beat up, tired, and wore out.
There was no way of going back.  We carry on.
To all the new care givers out there, Care giving is not easy.  It was never meant to be.  It is physically exhausting.  It is emotionally draining.  It is spiritually challenging.  It is very daily.
Even though you feel all alone, you are not.  If you have been unbelievably tired and frazzled, God will give you the strength to carry on.
Even though we don't have it all together, God will provide wisdom, he will provide help.
Don't make the mistake of not accepting that what is, is what it will be, with continual change. 
Don't make the mistake of letting many things go. (e.g arguing)  ("Letting go isn't about giving up but about trusting.")
It is so easy to get wrapped up in the day to day life, that we forget we live in a fallen world.  God is the only reason we have made it this far.  Perception of life changes after care giving.

"But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed..."  II Tim.4:17

Seasons have marked me, shaped me, challenged me to deeper dependence on Jesus and His Word.  I find great comfort in knowing that God has been with me and watching over me during my care giving experiences.
Has care giving been worth it all?  Sure care giving can get to you but you just do it.

Amidst care givings trials and hard work, it's best to take on the perspective by author Shelly Beach "..Approach care giving as a means to draw us into God's Word and view it as a 'divine appointment'.