This is the first episode in the series, ABCs of Self-Care for Caregivers.
So no matter what your task is, work hard. Always do your best as the Lord’s servant, not as man’s, because you know your reward is the Lord’s inheritance. You serve the Lord, the Anointed One.
Colossians 3:23-24 (Voice)
Are you a caregiver? Do you know someone who is? No doubt the answer to these questions is “yes.”
By conservative estimates, there are over 53 million informal caregivers in the United States. These individuals volunteer their time to care for the basic needs of others. They often feel underappreciated and overworked. Worse yet, they may become ill because they are not caring for their own needs.
Why do you do what you do?
You want to help your family care for your little ones and your elders. It is honorable. At the same time, you do not have to sacrifice your health and well-being. Take the time to take care of YOU!
What can you do differently?
Remember you ALWAYS have a choice.
If you currently feel stuck in a difficult situation, apply hope and honor generously.
Hope says that the results will be worth every bit of work and effort.
Honor says that you value yourself and the person(s) you serve.
Ways to Take Care of Yourself
Change your perspective from futility to hope
I was so angry after we first moved in with my mother-in-law after the death of my father-in-law that I was blinded to the truth of how this experience was shaping me into the person that I am today. I felt that no one heard me and that my vote didn’t matter. What a lie that was! It made times tough in our marriage. Partner with your spouse and siblings on caring for your loved one(s).
It is important to change your perspective from a day-to-day mind numbing stumbling down a dark hallway by switching on the hope light and choosing to move forward with honor for the process. This season won’t last forever. It’s not the end of the world. Instead, it’s a tremendous opportunity to grow and get truth from the Lord.
Honor what you do
I know you probably are not receiving a salary but you are bringing tremendous value to the family dynamic. You can be trusted to bring the absolutely best care for your loved one. You will learn a great deal in a short period of time. Your contribution is priceless. Let others know what a privilege it is do what only you can do.
Reframe the words you use to describe your role. Stop discounting it because you receive no pay. Honor where God has placed you. You make such a difference.
Look beyond the day-to-day
Now this is a harder one to do in the day-to-day grind of caregiving. The person you care for may be grumpy and unkind. They may never thank you. They may have dementia and not even remember who you are. Still, you can do this as “unto one of the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). This is the term that Jesus used in thanking those who had fed him and clothed him. He said that because they had done it to those who could not do it for themselves they had done it for Him. This is the best motivator of all. You may have to remind yourself from time to time.
Assignment
Write down a description of your caregiving assignment in the comments.
Avoid the use of the word “just” when describing what you do.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for the privilege and honor to accept my role as caregiver for _____________. I thank you for the strength and courage to honor this role as one that You have given me. I want to do it well and I know that You will allow me to do my best as Your servant. I want to care for this one who needs me in the way that You would.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen
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Author, speaker, podcaster, corporate trainer, ordained minister and Hope Catalyst, Karen Sebastian-Wirth enjoys sharing her rich life experiences with others – engaging them in adventurous discoveries of the beauty of hope in a dark, cloudy world. Her books and podcast will inspire you to embrace hope no matter what you are going through. As a caregiver and widow she took brave steps forward to fulfill God’s calling on her life. She has now remarried and enjoys her new hubby and spending time with their children and grandchildren. To increase hope and improve relationships with yourself and those that you love, check out her Facebook page – The Power of Hope and connect on Instagram – Hope is Powerful Podcast.
