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Rejoice always; pray without ceasing;
in everything give thanks for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

It’s easy to be joyful when things are going well, as it was for me this past summer and most of September. My husband and I twice went camping in the mountains and enjoyed the beauty of God’s creation, including deer that roamed around freely in our campground. In August I attended an online writers’ conference where I gained education, inspiration, and confidence. In September I attended my high school class 50th reunion where we reminisced and played games while we got reacquainted; then I went to a Christian women’s retreat at a mountain lodge here in Colorado for a time of refreshing my spirit with music, teaching and fellowship. It was easy to rejoice and feel blessed! But three days after the mountain top experience, I crashed . . . literally. I was getting my morning cup of coffee when I felt I would pass out, and before I got to the kitchen stool to sit, I crashed to the floor. I was in horrible pain and couldn’t get up. Thank God my husband was home and not at the golf course yet. Long story short, ambulance, ER, a couple of nights in the hospital, then almost three weeks recovering in a health care center with a broken fibula and torn ligaments. Ouch! A month in a cast and have since been in a walking boot. I look forward to the new year when I can transition into a smaller ankle splint/boot that’s less cumbersome. 

The time in the health care center was a time to grow and share the hope of Jesus. I prayed each day that I could be a blessing to everyone I came across in my day, whether it was a caregiver or another patient or resident. In my little journal, I wrote the names of those caring for me – CNAs, nurses, physical/occupational therapists and others. I prayed for each of them by name and collectively. I tried to greet them with a smile whenever they came into my room, and called them by name, or asked them to repeat it if I forgot. People would come in and I’d often be reading from the Bible, which would sometimes garner a smile or spark a short conversation. I wanted to make their difficult jobs easier for them by doing the best I could in all things and to be pleasant and grateful for their care. The work of a caregiver is arduous. Bless those who choose to take on this important role!

Through the highs and lows of life, God’s faithfulness will carry us and give us reason to . . . Rejoice! Pray! Give thanks!

This Christmas and holiday season, how can you share the hope of Christ to those in need, and to the caregivers among us?