Hello, God. It's me, Mara.

You know, Lord, one really never understands some things in life until they experience it themselves. Like that old saying, "One has to walk a mile in another's shoes" to know the feeling - to get it! Take for instance the job of being a caretaker [caregiver]; folks usually are more concerned for the one being cared for, rather than the care-taker; that is, until they've walked that path themselves. The situation ain't easy, be it a parent, spouse or child. One can love them with their whole heart but being the care-taker is not an easy job; there is no time off, it changes one's whole life and one must continuously be attentive - 24/7.

Another instance: what about when You wake us in the night, Lord? We wonder, now what? Dogs barking? Cats yowling? Kids playing loud music? What woke me? Then we may realize that there is a name circling around in our mind and we think, "Lord, does 'D. K.' need prayers?" So in between brief periods of sleep we pray for "D.K." Isn't it amazing Lord, that the next day we meet "D. K." at the neighborhood garbage bins, he shares that he is really troubled, worried about upcoming eye surgery! That's enough to bring tears to our own eyes knowing that You, Lord, were there for him all the time - and that You will be there for him next month and now "D. K." knows neighbors will be praying for him, too; that You have answered his own prayer of, "Are You there, Lord?"

Let us not forget that "the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous man availeth much." (James 5: 16b). Your word tells us that we are to pray for the sick for there is power in prayer. Thank you, Lord, for opening our heart to see.

Love, Mara