Being a full-time caregiver is one of those strange roles in life that brings both purpose and exhaustion, passion and pain. About a year ago, I left my job of fifteen years to become a full-time homeschool mom and caregiver to my neurodivergent son. The decision did not come easily. He was having severe meltdowns and moments of self-harm at school, and his needs were simply not being met.
After much prayer, support, and guidance from his therapists, my husband and I made the life-changing decision to bring his education home. To make it work financially, we moved back in with my parents. While my caregiving journey is rooted in parenting a child with additional needs, I know caregiving takes many forms. Whether you’re caring for a child, a spouse, an aging parent, or another loved one, caregiving often asks us to give more than we think we have.
Finding Rest in the Full-time
Being a full-time caregiver means exactly that—full time. I quickly realized that my career had been an outlet, a place where I could step away from the demands waiting at home. Once that was gone, I came face-to-face with the reality of what full-time caregiving truly meant.
As I stepped into this season, I clung to these words: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
What comforts me most about this verse is that it doesn’t promise the burden will disappear. It promises rest. The advocacy still needs to happen. The hard days still come. But God offers us a place to lay down the weight, even if only for a moment. I’ve learned that rest isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. IT could be dinner with a friend, a quiet moment in prayer, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee. These moments help refill my cup so I can continue showing up for the people who depend on me.
We Were Never Meant to Carry It Alone
One of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn as a caregiver is that I cannot do it all on my own. For a long time, I felt like asking for help meant I was failing. I wanted to be strong enough to handle everything myself. But God gently reminded me that we were never created to carry life’s burdens alone. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2
As I look at our journey, I can see how God has provided people exactly when we needed them. He worked through therapists who helped us and friends and family who checked in. As the saying goes, “It takes a village”. Sometimes the answer to our prayers comes through the hands and hearts of others. Accepting help isn’t weakness—it’s humility. It allows others the opportunity to love and support us the way God intended.
Final Encouragement
Caregiving can feel lonely at times, especially so much happens behind closed doors. The appointments, the advocacy, the sacrifices, and the endless mental load often go unseen by others. But God sees it all. “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9
If you’re in a season of caregiving, whatever that looks like for you, I want to encourage you to hold on to your faith. Not because it makes the journey easy, but because it reminds us that we do not walk it alone. When the burden feels heavy, lean into God’s rest. When you feel overwhelmed, allow others to help carry the load. And when you wonder if your efforts matter, remember that every act of love, no matter how small, has purpose.
One day, one prayer, and one step at a time.
