Thought for the week

AFEW years ago my husband and I found ourselves welcoming into our home a 95 year old parent.

We have help from a great team of carers, but nevertheless there are times in the day and night when my assistance is needed, often urgently.

I have particularly learned that what our elderly resident needs most is to know that there is someone there who really cares for them and enjoys their company.

However, I have to admit that I am a reluctant carer.

There are times when I feel too busy, times when I am exhausted and emotionally drained from work and other family commitments.

There are times when I resent having to dig deep at the end of the day and meet another person’s emotional and physical needs.

On one occasion I felt desperate for the freedom to drop everything and go and was drawn to an article about the North Wales Pilgrims Way from Holywell to Bardsey Island at the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula.

Reflecting on this longing for a pilgrim’s journey with a pack on my back, I realised that the life that I have been drawn into is not something to resist but to celebrate.

Maybe my rhythms of care are not the short straw but, like a pilgrimage, a God given a framework for living each day aware of his love and provision for me.

“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do.” (Psalm 139:1-3)