Care

by Ginny Andrews

Finally, all of you be of one mind, sympathetic, lovers of your fellow believers, compassionate, and modest in your opinion of yourselves. 1 Peter 3:8  

Devotion
Good morning and blessings from Crofton to all of you!

In the past few years, when I’ve written a devotional for ZIMVIM, Gary and I have always been “on the road,” camping. I’m usually sitting outside next to a beautiful bubbling stream, surrounded by trees, birds, and an occasional wandering duck who is looking for a treat. In that place, it was not hard to “see” God. The wonder, beauty, and peacefulness surrounded me and spoke to and through me. It was easy to see the magnificent care God took of every living creature and thing in His creation. It was easy to write a devotional.

This year we are not camping, and words are not coming as easily, so I decided to venture outside and enjoy the flower garden I’ve been working on for the past two weeks. It doesn’t take me long to realize that “care” is a two-way proposition. God cared about us (loved us) enough to give us the foundation for a beautiful and fruitful life, but he also made sure we would need to work with Him to achieve it. The flowers need tending to, lots of watering, pruning, and feeding. In other words—care. Only then can I experience the fullness of His gift of nature.

Care is a word of only four letters, but it is huge in its application. There is care as in: concern, carefulness, worry, custody, stewardship, and management. Care is both a verb and a noun. Did you know you can care for someone, but not really care about them? I’ve seen it happen, unfortunately, in our nursing homes. 

Caring about or for something or someone is a conscious decision we make. We can do it alone or in concert with God. I find that when I do it with God, the work of caring becomes a kind of joy. It becomes fruitful. And this is what I’m praying is happening to you as you care for and share God’s love for the people of Zimbabwe. May your caring bear good fruit both for them and you. During your work times, take time to enjoy being in concert with God, nature, and humanity. I found the following poem by W. H. Davies that reminded me of the value of taking time out as you care for others. I’m sharing a few lines. Enjoy!