The Importance of Being There
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.—1 JOHN 3:16 ESV
Eventually, caregiving will end. What are our lives to be then?
Perhaps we’ll feel a great sense of relief—no longer will our days be regimented according to a devastating illness, and our time will be our own. But maybe that will mean a bit too much time for us. What will we do with those empty days and nights? How will we change, making our lives useful and happy?
Caregiving requires much from us, and the one who has completed the road will have learned much about his or her personal limitations. But God doesn’t put such a period into our lives simply to point out our own neediness. As we learn selflessness and sacrifice, we’ll come through stronger than ever—even though grief may veil those powers for a time.
As the world rights itself and we take on a new vision, we’ll understand more of what God has done. Recognizing His new work in our lives, we’ll seek a goal and a new mission for Him. And like the first-century Christians John wrote to, we’ll be ready to reach out to others.
We will have learned so much from caregiving that will be useful in ministry. Looking ahead, let’s seek anew the goals God has for us and be ready to serve Him faithfully.
Though the idea of the road’s end makes me sorrowful, Lord, I’m thankful that You’ve borne me all this way. Help me face that new life, with different challenges for You.
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.—2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)
The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.—Proverbs 19:8 (NIV)