Earlier this month, CUMC hosted an Aging Gracefully event, which focused on caregivers and resources available to those serving in this role.   Kim Noble has written the devotion below, reflecting on how God graciously equips us when God calls us to care for others.

Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."

About 15 years ago my very generous parents moved from one house to another in Green Valley, Arizona and gifted me with the home they moved from.  I was/am so grateful.  At that time my kids were grown, and I was living alone for the first time in my life.  I had a job I loved and a beautiful townhome here in Centreville.  I felt very blessed but also a little worried about my future.  Now I knew that if everything went south for my retirement, I would at least have a place to live.  I had a plan in place!

Unbeknownst to me God had other plans.  Fast forward 15 years and my parents are older and need my help.  Instead of worrying about my future I’m worried about theirs.  They need me and God has provided a place for me to stay within walking distance of my parents’ home.  Caregiving can be a very daunting, exhausting, and frustrating experience.  Having this place will allow my husband and me to take turns with my brother and his wife in caring for our parents.

Exodus 20:12 (NIV) "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you."

Lord, help me remember I am doing your work.  Help me to clothe myself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love.  Enable me to see those I’m caring for through your eyes.  Help me to have compassion as you did and to follow your example.  Ease my burden and provide times of rest and refreshment.  Give me the energy necessary to fulfill my tasks.  Thank you for trusting me with this role of caring for another.  Amen.