IF we pause long enough...we can see Him too

Caregiving is an adventure—one filled with laughter, tears, and moments that make you question your sanity. As I got off the phone with a dear friend updating me on her life as a caregiver for her parents, we couldn’t help but laugh at some of the unexpected quirks that come with the role. She shared how her mom keeps insisting she go away with her husband, assuring her that they’re fine, yet they won’t eat unless she’s there to make sure they do. I shared a story about how my mother meticulously keeps track of the long list of tasks she wants me to do but can’t seem to remember to take her vitamins or medication.

We bonded over the shared chaos of balancing endless needs, and the moments that somehow feel both heartwarming and completely exhausting. We laughed, commiserated, and even grieved together over the sacrifices caregiving requires. At the end of the call, she thanked me for listening, saying, “It’s good to talk to someone who gets it.” And that’s when it hit me: sometimes, all we really need is someone who understands. Someone to hear us out, provide a safe space to vent, and remind us that we’re not alone.

Isn’t that what we all crave during the difficult seasons of life? To feel seen, heard, and understood?

That conversation sparked something in me. I started reaching out to others in my circle who were also caregivers. Despite the unique circumstances of each story, one theme rang true for us all: we want to be seen. We long to feel visible, validated, and supported—not forgotten or overshadowed by the responsibilities that consume us.

Isaiah 40:27 reminds us:
God sees people in all circumstances, including in times of weakness, hurt, and waiting.

How comforting it is to know that God sees us—truly sees us—in every moment of this caregiving journey. Even when the path feels thankless, heavy, or unrelenting, His gaze doesn’t waver. He sees us through it all.

He sees you:

• When you feel defeated, watching your loved one deteriorate despite your best efforts, receiving one bad report after another.
• When you make sacrifices, giving up parts of yourself to show your loved one they are cherished and not alone, even when you feel lonely yourself.
• When you juggle responsibilities, trying to balance your life while making critical decisions for someone else, hoping you’re getting it right.
• When you advocate fiercely, even though no one advocates for you.
• When your strength wanes, and you feel like there’s nothing left to give—yet you find a grain of resolve to face another day.
• When you feel angry, sad, or desperate, emotions swirling as you carry this heavy load.
• When you laugh alone, trying to lighten the weight of the day, knowing tears aren’t far behind.

He sees you giving selflessly, even when it doesn’t feel that way.

I’ve found solace in the knowledge that I can retreat into His arms, sharing my frustrations, sadness, and exhaustion with Him. He sees me, and because He sees me, He listens. And if we pause long enough, we can see Him too.

We see Him:

• In every call from a friend who says they’re praying for us.
• In neighbors who show up with food or an offer to help.
• In doctors and nurses who provide support and resources when we feel lost.
• In the strength we find each morning to rise, even when we feel weak.
• In the unexplainable peace that sustains us through the grief.
• In His unfailing love, sitting with us in our darkest moments.

God doesn’t just see us—He shows up for us. The question is, in what ways have you seen Him?

Take a moment to reflect. Where has His presence been evident in your journey? Whether in a kind gesture, a moment of peace, or an unexpected blessing, He is there, walking alongside you every step of the way.