“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
– John 15:10-11
Reflection:
In the heart of caregiving, amidst the challenges and the sacrifices, there lies a profound opportunity to live out the love that Jesus speaks of in John 15:10-11. As caregivers, we are called to a special kind of obedience, one that mirrors the love and dedication Jesus has for us. It’s a journey that demands much from us, yet it’s also a path where we can find deep joy and fulfillment.
Keeping His commands means loving those we care for with patience, kindness, and selflessness, even when it’s hard. It means finding the strength to serve another day, to offer comfort, and to be a source of light in times of darkness. This kind of love doesn’t come from our own reserves but from abiding in Jesus’ love for us.
As we navigate the ups and downs of caregiving, let us remember that our ultimate source of strength and joy comes from remaining in His love. It’s in this divine love that we find the grace to continue, the peace to endure, and the joy that fills our hearts to overflowing. This joy isn’t dependent on our circumstances but on the deep, unshakeable love that Jesus offers us.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me to abide in Your love as I care for my loved one. Remind me that my strength and joy come from You, not from my own efforts. In the challenging moments, let me feel Your presence and be filled with Your joy, knowing that my caregiving journey is a reflection of Your love in action.
In your precious name of Jesus, I pray.
Amen.
Rayna Neises understands the joys and challenges that come from a season of caring. She helped care for both of her parents during their separate battles with Alzheimer’s over a thirty-year span. She is able to look back on those days now with no regrets – and she wishes the same for every woman caring for aging parents.
To help others through this challenging season of life, Rayna has written No Regrets: Hope for Your Caregiving Season, a book filled with her own heart-warming stories and practical suggestions for journeying through a caregiving season. Rayna is an ICF Associate Certified Coach with certifications in both Life and Leadership Coaching from the Professional Christian Coaching Institute.
She is prepared to help you through your own season of caring. Learn more at ASeasonOfCaring.com and connect with Rayna on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
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