Night Watches

She doesn’t sleep. She wanders through the dark house, checking the doors and mumbling to herself. Each night she follows the same circular path, searching for something or someone known only to her.

The caregiver doesn’t sleep, either. It’s a twenty-four-hour sentry watch. The nighttime is full of opportunities for the patient to roam, looking for things she cannot find. Protecting her from harm is the caregiver’s duty and deep desire, but a bone-deep fatigue makes the job harder and harder. Mental weariness hinders the caregiver’s joy. Clear thinking has gone, replaced by the worry that even the caregiver’s decision-making is poor. Am I as confused as she is? Or just plain tired?

Ever been there yourself?

Just remember that God never sleeps. You are not alone in those night watches. On long restless nights, imagine God watching with you. His promise is to watch over and protect all of us through the nighttime. What a comfort and strength!

God is with the night watchmen—always present, always protecting, and always caring.