Threads Within is GenOn's new resource to help church leaders support families in everyday faith. Free sample at bottom of this post.

“Above all, trust in the slow work of God.” Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

If you are caring for a child, aging parent, spouse, or someone else who depends on you, you may know the quiet exhaustion of giving and giving again.

This reflection is an invitation to pause, breathe, and remember to trust that God is present in the slow, ordinary work of love.

As a caregiver, it can be exhausting to give of yourself constantly. You may be the person who cooks and eats last, changes diapers, manages appointments, comforts a child after a hard day, or stays patient through a meltdown even when you feel close to your own breaking point.

Love keeps you present, but that does not mean the work is easy.

If we can offer that kind of patient, imperfect care to someone we love, how much more can we trust the love of God? Because God is trustworthy, we can bring our concerns to God in prayer.

Just as a child brings you bad dreams, hurt feelings, and small daily fears, you can bring your worries to God. God receives them with tenderness, sits with you in your troubles, and reminds you that you are not alone.

Reflection: Think of one challenge your child, loved one, or caregiving situation faced last year, last month, or even last week that has become a little less difficult. Where have you had to trust the slow work of God? How has God walked with you in that slow work?

“Be Still” Prayer
This prayer, drawn from Psalm 46:10, can help on days when you need calm, on days when you need a reminder that God is with you, and on all the ordinary days in between.

Begin by taking a few deep breaths. As you pray each line, let the words grow shorter and quieter. End by resting in the presence of God.
Be still and know that I am God. (Repeat several times)

Be still and know that I am.

Be still and know that.

Be still and know.

Be still.

Be.

*This quote comes from Teilhard de Chardin’s poem “Patient Trust.” If you have a few quiet minutes, look it up and read the whole poem. It is beautiful.