Music Monday: “Flowers,” by Samantha Ebert (featuring Seph Shlueter)
by: Debbie Waltz
Over the last few weeks, I’ve done my best adjusting to my new routine with my parents as my full-time caregivers. In spite of our efforts to advertise on specialized care websites, the response to our listings has been quite disappointing thus far. It’s unclear to me whether the pay is the reason for this lack of response; however, those I’ve reached out to have not responded to my messages, hinting that other issues may be involved. On a personal level, I believe caregivers need to be compensated for their level of care and commitment to their jobs. The common outcome of this situation is that people will often look for a second job to make ends meet or leave their current position altogether. No matter the outcome, through dedicated time and care, caregivers they have cultivated a relationship that has blossomed into a lasting rapport and friendship, a bond that will likely endure for a lifetime.We entrust caregivers with our daily care and well-being, placing our lives in their hands each and every day, after all.
I’m blessed that I have my parents as backup as we go through this process all over again. Because most people aren’t as lucky. While this schedule provides me with more freedom, it creates a heavier workload for my parents, affecting them both personally and professionally. My father, now retired, must still juggle his commitments to find the time to help me with my needs and provide me with care. Despite retaining their personal lives, they are required to adapt their schedules to mine, ensuring complete compatibility and preventing any potential conflicts. (Not to mention the fact they are getting older and it’s getting more difficult for them to lift me sometimes)
It can make me feel like a burden sometimes!
Faith provides another viewpoint. In previous blog posts, I have delved into how our life experiences profoundly influence the development of our character, ultimately shaping the individuals we become. From a Christian perspective, we embrace these challenges as integral to God’s plan, believing that He uses them to reshape us spiritually and emotionally. (James 1:2-4). But that doesn’t mean we won’t struggle.
We will.
Why? To put it simply, our minds and bodies are always fighting for control. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (NIV) Although God’s redeeming act on the cross profoundly alters the course of our lives, we must fully surrender ourselves to experience its transformative power. This requires a bit of trust on our part, believing that Jesus truly loves us and has our best interest at heart. After all, Jeremiah 29:11 reminded the captives in Babylon, “‘ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, ” to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” And we see throughout the New Testament that God assures us of that, too.
Samantha Ebert’s song “Flowers” reminds us that no matter what this world may throw our way, God always has our backs. Though we might not always understand what He’s doing, we need to trust God’s heart, believing God sees the bigger picture and how all the pieces fit into place.
