PART TWO of January’s #gracegoals2019 encouragement is to pray for caregivers. Being a caregiver myself for my dad, a Vietnam Veteran, others who care for their aging parents are on my heart often.
The verse which comes to mind for this goal is Philippians 2:4, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others”. As I was contemplating this, one word spoke to me; the word, also. If we are to look ALSO on the needs of others, wouldn’t that mean to care for ourselves AND for others? Does that make sense? Something I have been considering. If a caregiver feels run down, senses depression, or suffers physically, emotionally, or spiritually, of what benefit can they be to anyone else? We cannot take care of others if we neglect our own needs. This not only pertains to caretakers of parents, but for those in any ministry of caring- parents raising children, parents raising special needs children, a husband or wife caring for an ill spouse, a pastor and his wife, a janitor, a teacher. I would imagine we all know someone who could use some prayer support!
I researched quite a few web links on the topic of caregivers caring for themselves, and most of them share these tips:
- Eat healthy
- Take time to rest during the day
- Exercise to keep your body strong, even if only for 10 minutes a day
- Get plenty of sleep
- Do things you enjoy (read, create, listen to music, garden…)
- Ask for help when needed
- Seek support (whether through reading material on the topic, by talking to someone (spouse, family, friend, pastor, counselor) who can be an encourager, and by seeking God’s guidance even for the smallest of decisions.
If you are a caregiver, I understand it is hard work. Sometimes we become so focused on the needs of others and the needs of the home, we forget to take care of ourselves in the process. To find a balance can be a challenge. I know there are days when what you have planned gets put aside. I am familiar with days filled with doctor appointments and waiting at the pharmacy for medication. I identify with days when all that is needed is companionship and quietness when your loved-one is resting or struggling with pain. For these reasons and more, I pray for you today.
If you are praying for a caretaker:
- Pray that they will make wise choices in caring for their nourishment.
- Pray for physical, emotional, and spiritual strength.
- Pray they will be able to sleep well, feeling rejuvenated for the next day.
- Pray for opportunities to rest and/or to do things they enjoy.
- Pray they will ask for help when needed and not try to do it all on their own.
Lord, bless those who care for others. I pray for compassion because compassion makes a world of difference. There are always adjustments to the day and I pray change and re-shifting be accepted with grace. May we be flexible, be moved by another’s needs, and be willing to be a blessing. And may we live for You in every decision, in every action, and in every thought of the heart. Amen.
Other January “Grace Goals” Blog Entries: