Being a caregiver is not an easy task. Everything that is done, it is done for them. You are selfless, patient, understanding, loving, encouraging, hopeful, grateful, lost, frustrated, tired, weary and lonely. What I learn about caregiving is that I have to take care of myself before I can take care of anyone else. This is called Self-Care. It is taking care of yourself without being selfish. It is putting your mental, emotional and psychology needs before anyone else. It is trusting God to take care of your love one. As a Caregiver, I have learned three things.
1. I am not his/her God
2. I can only do what God put in my hands to do.
3. God created both of us therefore he can take care of both of us.
Scriptures that have helped me as a caregiver are:
Matthew 11:28-30. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
II Corinthians 1:3-4. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Song: Step Aside by Tamela Mann reassures that God sees and knows all. I just need to trust Him and step aside. He is faithful and will do what He said He would do. I just need to get out of the way and lean on Him. He is able and willing I just need to step aside.
So, I ask you to share your own personal experiences as a caregiver. What helps you to stay in a place of love and peace, instead of frustration and weariness as you care for your loved one? Maybe it is your husband, your child, siblings or aging parents. As women of God we all will wear the shoes as a caregiver and must make sure that self-care is part of our daily lives.
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Geneen Taylor