Amazing Grace and Loving Aging AdultsSýnishorn

Find Joy in the Journey

There is the opportunity to find joy in this new journey of caregiving. Joy can be found most anywhere if you seek it out. Often characterized by sadness and frustration, the latter years of your loved one’s life are meant to be full of love and connectivity. My mother, a former preschool and Sunday school teacher, taught often that JOY stands for: 

Jesus

Others

Yourself

Even in her older age, she prays to remember that special kind of JOY: keep Jesus first, then others and thinking of self, last. Of course, you will need boundaries for many instances and situations.  As you pour out, He’ll show you what you need and how to fill back up. 

We are called to be joy and to offer joy. With the Lord’s help, you can. Focus on the things you appreciate along the way in this care-giving season. Verbally express gratitude. There are countless ways your Heavenly Father shows His joy each day. You will find joy in big and small things. Perhaps you’ll catch a beautiful sunrise or enjoy a warm cup of coffee and some quiet moments before you begin a day of care-giving. You may hear joy in the laughter of your loved one or see joy in their eyes, even if it’s just a glimpse. 

This transition time offers you an opportunity to slow down and share some meaningful moments. Watch God work in ways that will go beyond your own plans and dreams. This care-giving journey offers unique times to think of all the ways the Lord has met your needs and the needs of those you love. Choose joy! Arise each day and look for the joy set before you. Some days, joy may come naturally to you; other days, it’s a choice. Each and every day, joy is available simply by asking your Heavenly Father to provide. 

Dear God, help me to seek joy and to be joy. Help me rise above my own feelings and thoughts and tap in to You…my source of all joy. Lord as You share in Your word in James 1, help me to “consider it pure joy” when I face trials. May those trials faced in care-giving be opportunities to share joy. Show me how to look for joy in the journey and to offer more than I expect to receive with joy in my heart.