Do you ever wish you could make people care about the things you care about? Have you ever wondered how some people can seem so unaffected by the things you are passionate about? Due to various circumstances, I’ve been giving this a lot of thought lately.

I care about the countless souls who are dying and on their way to Hell.

I care about missionaries around the field and those on deputation, trying to reach their field.

I care about churches that are dying off because people have found too many other things to do than go to the house of God.

I care about the whole family being together to celebrate the holidays, especially since Jason and I missed Christmas last year due to illness, we missed Thanksgiving this year because of our travels, and we’re likely to miss many holidays with family in the future because of being halfway around the world.

I care about the animals in the shelter who are passed over because their breed has been labeled “bad” or “mean.”

I care about the many people in this world who feel alone and unloved.

I care, but I often wonder if others do. Not everyone, of course, but day after day, I meet people who are so consumed with their own lives, they give little regard to anyone else. I get it. It’s easy to become self-focused. So much to do. So little time. So many obligations. But when did we get so busy that we failed to care about those around us? When did we become so selfish that we lost sight of the things that matter?

It’s frustrating. For one, I know I don’t care as much as I should, and that bothers me. But then I see others who care even less (at least, that’s what they display by their words and actions), and I grow despondent. What is wrong with us? Why don’t we care as we should? Why don’t we do more for others than we do for ourselves? I wish I could make myself care as much as I should, but even more than that, I wish I could make others care at least a little. I wish I could help them see the big picture. I wish I could connect the dots for them and open their eyes to the needs around the world.

But, if I’ve learned anything during deputation, it’s that we can’t make people care. We pour out our burden for Wales time and time again, but we can’t make people care about Wales or our desire to get there. If we could, we’d be there by now. Some people catch a glimpse of what we’re trying to explain and grasp the heart behind our mission. Some would like to help but are not in a position to do so. But most smile politely, mutter that they’ll pray for us, and send us on our way. We simply cannot force people to care about what we care about.

The more I thought about this, the more discouraged I became until I remembered this truth—I don’t have to make Jesus care. He cares about the things I care about and so much more. The things that break my heart break His too. I don’t have to plead with Him to see the need. I don’t have to explain my case or to try and get Him to see my vision. He knows. He understands. And He cares. He needs no motivation or prompting. He doesn’t have to be enticed or persuaded. In fact, He can’t help but care. His love moves Him with compassion.

The more I’m around people (and I’m around people A LOT these days), the easier it is to look to people for hope, encouragement, and belonging. But people (myself included) are not perfect. We mess up. We fail. And, if I’m looking to people and seeking their approval, I’ll be disappointed. However, if I look to God, He will never let me down. He will be that source of hope, encouragement, and belonging I need. And, no matter what, I can trust that He cares about me and all the things I care about. And that, my friends, makes me smile!