“Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted” (John 6:12, NIV).
“I need to learn to keep a quiet heart. To trust that if God has allowed an interruption in my day, it serves a purpose. To believe that the time to finish what work I thought I needed to be done will be given. To accept that He is diverting me from my ‘Plan A’ to His greater plan.” (Karen Ehman)
Caregiving is a refining sort of existence. Time is strangely allocated; flexibility is essential.
This week, I was supporting Jeff after hip surgery. He needed my help and presence for every little thing. One day, as he napped, I began researching for a writing project. In the middle of looking up the mustard tree and thinking about how it applied to my hidden sort of season, I jumped. The sound of my phone disrupted my research. I dropped the project to attend to my husband.
Hours later, grumpy and tired, I revisited my earlier notes. I decided to journal about my frustrating day. God generously poured understanding into my heart and mind. He showed me:
- I need God’s grace! I had no patience as I left my projects behind to do the little things my dear husband desperately needed. When God helps me, I can be loving. Without Jesus’ help, I’m a pretty poor helper.
2. I am not my own. Jesus bought my life on the cross. In that tired moment, He showed me that I was a real fixer-upper! Everything good in my life is His work of redemption. If He wants me to step away from the keyboard and serve, I need to trust the One who numbers my minutes. His plans are best!
3. Research is lived! Oh! God has a great sense of humor. The joke was so good. All day, I was doing research. It’s one thing to do a Google search and another to practice loving in God’s strength.
What I thought was a disruption gave me exactly what I needed to learn. Our God loves to surprise us. Jesus teaches me to live!
This is so good–and so true.
Loved, “if God has allowed an interruption in my day, it serves a purpose.”
(Visiting from #9)