I love looking back through photos of my kids; especially like the one above. They bring me such joy!!

It seems hard to find that place of contentment these days. I struggle with the juggle of therapies, doctors appointments, routines, decisions… the circumstances of life tend to wear me down. I know I’m not the only one who feels this way.

Maybe that’s why I’ve needed a constant reminder about contentment lately. Monday morning at my class, I discovered the verse of the week was Philippians 4:11- “…for I have learned to be content in any circumstance.”  When I got home, I read my devotional and can you guess what it was about?? Yup, contentment.

You would think if that same topic came up twice before 7 am, that I would be more on guard for what the day had in store… Apparently I’m slow learner.

Gideon had an ENT appointment on Monday afternoon to discuss the wacky results of his ABR and ASSR. After looking into his ears, our doctor discovered that Gideon has a chronic build up of fluid in both ears. This is not terrible news, but now we have to go through the process of putting tubes in his ears. Again tubes are no big deal in the grand scheme of things; I’m just exhausted because it feels like “one more thing” to mess with.

The doctor says that removing fluid will often allow patients to regain about 25% of their hearing. However, because of Gideon’s PBD diagnosis, the doctor was quick to ensure me that there are no guarantees for him. Although he did seem to think that my little head-banger might ease up on hitting himself once that pressure is gone. That alone would be worth it!

Ever since that appointment, I’ve just been in a funk. I had forgotten all about my double dose of contentment messages Monday morning. In fact, I hadn’t thought about them again until the other night at our Growth Group (in home Bible study).

For $100, anyone want to guess what our Matt Chandler video series covered?

Yup, Philippians, chapter 4…emphasis on verse 11- “…for I have learned to be content in any circumstance.” 

Our God is so patient… especially with the slowest of learners. I think I’m starting to get it. The apostle Paul declared that he could be happy whether well fed or hungry, rich or poor, through ANY circumstance (even beatings & imprisonment)- he learned how to be content.

I’m so glad that verse says he learned. That must mean that contentment doesn’t come naturally. That must mean I have to rely on Him to help me choose contentment despite my circumstances. I can’t help but think about some of the happiest people I’ve met. They’re not content because life dealt them a fair hand. They’re content because they choose to be.

God- help me choose contentment today.

And everyday after today.

I had the privilege of visiting with my dear friend’s mother, Sheila, on Saturday. She’s a remarkable woman who loves the Lord and in my opinion, everyone should meet her. Her life is a living display of what it means to trust in the Lord.

As we sat in the hospital family room, I began to think of all the trials her family has recently faced. Last year, her husband battled and beat cancer. Her daughter (who is just as much of a saint as her mother) has a life threatening heart condition and at the age of 28 had to have a pacemaker. Her grandson Micah is a miracle alone!

But the reason our visit took place in a hospital Saturday, was because her husband has been having strokes (and possible mini seizures) which started this past January. And she’s been his caregiver ever since.

I don’t know much about her situation, but I do know what it’s like to care for someone else’s most basic needs. And not just because my son has a genetic disorder; but because I watched my mom and dad do it (together) for my sister, after she was paralyzed in 1997. I’ve had observational and hands on experience since I was twelve. So I think I have some clout when I say, caregivers have the hardest job in the world. 

So how do they do an impossible job?

So how do people like Sheila do it?

How do people like my mom and dad do it?

I found some statistics at Caregiver.org and even on the CDC website. After sifting through caregiver facts about stress and burn out, I was encouraged to find that the CDC website reported, about 73% of surveyed caregivers said praying helps them cope with caregiving stress. 

Interesting fact. There are currently an estimated 66 million caregivers in our country- giving their time, resources and tears to help someone else. How encouraging to know that they make it through another day because they pray and say amen.

On my drive home from the hospital, it was by no coincidence, I heard the song,  Say Amen by Finding Favour. (PLEASE listen to it if you’ve never heard it!)

This life is a journey we walk by faith
And there will always be the mountains in our way
But right here in this moment, may our strength be renewed
As we recall what God has done and how we’ve seen Him move

If there’s anybody here who’s found Him faithful
Anybody here who knows He’s able
Say Amen
If there’s anybody here who’s seen His power
Anybody here brought through the fire
Say Amen
Anybody here found joy in the middle of sorrow
Just Say AMEN!

Sometimes through the darkness, it’s hard to see
So just be brave and follow where He leads
Greater is the one who’s in us, than he who’s in the world
So child of God remember, the battle is the Lord’s

If there’s anybody here who’s found Him faithful
Anybody here who knows He’s able
Say Amen
If there’s anybody here who’s seen His power
Anybody here brought through the fire
Say Amen
Anybody here found joy in the middle of sorrow
Peace in the storm, hope for tomorrow
And seen time and time again
Then just Say AMEN!

Even in the valley of the shadow when you feel alone in the unknown
Just say Amen, Just say Amen
Even when the storms are raging, Stand and know your not forsaken
Just say Amen, Just say Amen

Is there anybody here, Tell me is there anybody here
Come on and Say Amen

If there’s anybody here who’s seen His power
Anybody here brought through the fire
Come on and Say Amen
Anybody here found joy in the middle of sorrow
Peace in the storm, hope for tomorrow
And seen time and time again
Then just Say AMEN!

Driving home I smiled because I thought that song adequately described Sheila and her family. It also reminded me of my parents. It’s a great reminder not only for caregivers, but for ANYONE who is in the midst of a trial.

What has God brought you through in the past? Have you seen His power and found Him faithful before?? I know we have. And because He was faithful then, He will be faithful now and forever more.

Lift it up to Him and say amen!!!