Sometimes the lessons we learn in life are pointed out to us by someone else. Recently my nephew mentioned again what he gained most by living a year with me and my husband. He was most impressed by the love and patience I had for his uncle. It showed him what real Christianity looks like.
Ever since Dean’s tractor accident in 1999, his resulting brain injury required a lot of patience from all the family. I must have been greatly lacking in that quality because for eighteen years God enrolled me in the most intensive educational experience I could have had for developing the longsuffering, or patience, Paul mentioned in his list of spiritual fruits (Galatians 5:22, 23).
Well, actually, this long bout with caregiving helped develop all the fruits mentioned in those verses. They were all needed to survive the various trials and hardships that were a result of living with someone with a traumatic brain injury.
These spiritual fruits have, in turn, equipped me to pass along these same qualities to others, according to my nephew and what others have told me. And that’s the beauty of it all. God has taught me that everything happens for a purpose, even though we may not see it at the time (Romans 8:28).
Spiritual benefits are never to be dismissed lightly, when it comes to caregiving, or caring for “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). Let’s face it, caregiving for a loved one is one of the best ways to showcase your faith and demonstrate these fruits of the spirit. Embrace this duty from God as you would a friend…your best Friend.
