In my September 27, 2020, blog, I wrote:
Riding roller coasters is fun; however, you would not want to do it day in and day out. Yet, in many ways, serving as a caregiver to a dementia patient is much like riding an emotional roller coaster, sometimes for days and even weeks on end. Please do not think I am complaining. If the roles were reversed, Linda would do the same for me!
Those days and weeks have now stretched into years, and guarding against discouragement has become a top priority for me. This has been especially true in recent weeks as Linda’s physical and cognitive capacities continue to decline and I have struggled with pain before and after knee surgery.
Charles Spurgeon, a nineteenth century pastor, gave timeless advice which speaks directly to my situation, “Take good care of your faith, for faith is the only way to obtain God’s blessings… because it is the earnest prayer of one who believes that leads to answers.” Knowing that he was reflecting on Jesus’ warning to Peter makes it even more meaningful for me:
The Lord said, “Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has wanted to have you. He will divide you as wheat is divided from that which is no good. But I have prayed for you. I have prayed that your faith will be strong and that you will not give up. When you return, you must help to make your brothers strong” (Luke 22:31-32 NLV).
The following brief excerpts taken from my last week’s journal notes illustrate why I must guard against discouragement and take good care of my faith:
Monday — Linda was more alert than I have seen her in over a week. She adoringly smiled and told me that she was glad that I came. Throughout our visit, she held my hand and rubbed my arm. I left with a joyful heart. The staff said she later walked around and seemed quite happy.
Tuesday — Arriving quite early, the Hospice Nurse reported that Linda was doing well, smiling, and in good spirits. When I visited her later in the morning, she briefly opened her eyes and smiled but could not stay awake.
Wednesday — The first few minutes that I was there, she cried several times but could not tell me why she was sad. In an attempt to cheer her up, I washed her hands and face, and asked the caregivers to turn on a fun movie. Linda loved it and was soon smiling and laughing.
Thursday — While visiting before the evening meal, I discovered that Linda’s comb was missing and left to purchase a new one. Returning an hour later, I found her sitting alone and crying. After I cleaned her face, she stood up and starting walking very slowly down the hall. I had difficulty containing my emotions.
Friday — Linda slept almost all the time that I was there. However, the Activities Director showed me a picture that had been taken earlier in the afternoon; in it she was smiling broadly and obviously having a great time while eating cake. When the evening meal arrived, a caregiver helped me walk her to the table and she ate all her food.
By looking at great men and women who faithfully lived out the life of Christ and are now with the Lord, I am better equipped to walk through whatever obstacles, known and unknown, lie ahead. Therefore, I have chosen another nineteenth century pastor, Elijah Hoffman, to speak directly to my situation. Regarding inspiration for his great hymn, “I Must Tell Jesus,” he states:
There was a woman to whom God had permitted many visitations of sorrow and affliction. Coming to her home one day, I found her much discouraged. She unburdened her heart, concluding with the question, “Brother Hoffman, what shall I do?” I quoted from the word, then added, “You cannot do better than to take all of your sorrows to Jesus. You must tell Jesus.”
That night he penned these powerful lyrics:
I must tell Jesus all of my trials, I cannot bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me, He ever loves and cares for His own.
I must tell Jesus all of my troubles, He is a kind, compassionate friend;
If I but ask Him, He will deliver, Make of my troubles quickly an end.
Tempted and tried, I need a great Savior, One who can help my burdens to bear;
I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus; He all my cares and sorrows will share.
O how the world to evil allures me! O how my heart is tempted to sin!
I must tell Jesus, and He will help me Over the world the vict’ry to win.
Ron Harvard Ministries 