Caregiving is a weighty thing. Though we may choose to do the work, we often feel it is heavy with its endless responsibilities, emotional strain, and the ache of watching your loved one struggle. It may feel like you have no pause for rest or know of anyone who truly understands your frustrations.

Caregiving is a calling and a challenge. You pour out your love daily by meeting the needs, offering comfort, giving your best to your loved one—usually without any recognition. In a world that measures worth by achievement, it may be easy to look around and wonder if you are making a difference.

Shortly after receiving my daughter’s diagnosis, I took a trip to the store to buy her baby clothes. In that moment, I had no way of knowing if she would ever need them, but I couldn’t stop myself from preparing for her arrival. I remember thinking that to anyone else I would appear just like any other expectant mother. But I wasn’t. The fear I carried in my heart for my little girl’s safety outweighed the joy of her upcoming arrival.

My first year in college I remember reading a book about the church being counterculture. It was a rather revolutionary thought to me, as well as deeply uncomfortable. As a recovering people pleaser, there have been many times when I thought, no I felt, that I needed the approval of everyone I met. I have great admiration for those of you who do not share this burden.

Have you let worry creep into your life? It happens with great ease when we take our eyes off God. In the middle of caregiving tasks we become distracted by our to-do lists. When we finally look up we realize that a whole day, week, month has gone by without spending time with the Lord.