Joyful in Hope

Jeri was tending to a patient in the medical office. Wearily, she wrapped the cuff around the patient’s arm to record the woman’s blood pressure. As she worked, the patient kindly said, “Tell me about your family.”

Jeri’s heart rate increased as she thought about her husband. “It’s difficult,” she replied. “My husband has Lou Gehrig’s disease. He’s in a wheelchair now—I have to strap him in each morning. We weren’t able to have children….” Her voice trailed off as she struggled to control her emotions. “But I think that was best. I am his caretaker. We find pleasure in the little things together—a cup of coffee in the morning, a story after work, laughing over our young nephew’s tricks….”

It’s never easy, but focusing on those things that bring joy can get us over the humps of caregiving. Simple pleasures can mean joyful living.

We caregivers can slide into negative thinking when we see our loved ones’ limitations. But if we choose to thank God for even the tiniest pleasures—those refreshing moments of laughter, the bright rays of sunshine streaming through the window—we can “rejoice in the hope.” Treasure the moments God has given you with your loved one and the hope you have in Christ.