Discovering God's Calling in Caregiving
Opening Prayer
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O God, out of your love, care, and concern for all of creation, I believe you are active in the world. Help me to align my activity in the world with your activity in the world. Amen.
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Scripture Theme
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Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35)
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Introduction
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At certain times in your life you may have carried the assumption that God calls you once, for just one purpose. Don’t miss the call, or you might spend the remainder of your days in meaningless mediocrity. In reality, it is safe to say that God calls us many times throughout the seasons of our lives, and each call challenges us to stretch further than we might have anticipated or imagined.
This is almost certainly the case for those who find themselves in the role of caregiver. As you reflect on this challenge (and invitation!), it’s quite logical to seek deeper meaning from it. It’s also normal to experience angst.
You are called to be a caregiver. You likely have a bit of anxiety, and a whole lot of wonderment for how this is going to go. One thing is certain. As you respond to this call, you will discover an aspect of God that you have not seen or experienced before. Place your trust in God, say ‘yes’ to the call as best you can, and give it your all. |
What's Changing?
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This call likely means a change in your life. In his book, Managing Transitions, William Bridges writes that transitions always start with an ending. Seems odd, yes, but he maintains that the first step toward a life change is identifying what you are losing and learning how to manage the losses.
View Every day, more than forty million Americans wake up and care for loved ones. Watch the video A Day in the Life of a Caregiver. In what ways do you see yourself in this video? In what ways is your caregiving situation unique? Write and/or Discuss
As you embrace this role, and respond to the call to give care . . .
Take a few moments to reflect on these questions. Jot down your responses, or discuss them with your group. Reflect You may feel some resentment over these losses. Normal. And you might direct some of that resentment toward the one for whom you are caring. Also normal. And then you might feel guilty for carrying resentment. Yep, that’s normal too. It’s part of the change process. But of course, you cannot carry resentment and guilt for very long before it becomes destructive. So, what to do? It’s important to openly acknowledge your losses, grieve over them, and mark the endings as needed. They deserve your respect. God is present in these moments and in these feelings. Take Heart How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? . . . I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me (Psalm 13:1-2, 5-6). I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. (Psalm 130:5-6) |
What's Emerging in My Life?
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Let’s consider what might be emerging in your life as a result of these changes. As we do so, let us remember a few things that others have discovered about God’s callings in their lives. We can say that responding to God’s call will
likely . . .
View Let’s focus on the second bullet point: responding to God’s call will likely not be easy. As a caregiver you are surely stretched to your limit physically, mentally, and emotionally. Watch the video The Struggle of Being a Caregiver. Write and/or Discuss
Being a caregiver to a loved one can be exhausting and stressful.
Take Heart Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me! (Psalm 4) Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. . . . Answer me, O LORD, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me. . . . I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving. . . . For the LORD hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners. (Psalm 69:1, 16, 30, 33) Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul . . . who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live. (Psalm 103:1-2, 4-5) |
How Should I Live?
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Now we seek to turn the corner and fully embrace the call as caregiver. We seek to develop fruitful patterns of behavior and action that can sustain us for the long haul.
View Watch the video The Joy of Now: A Caregiver’s Tale by Phyllis Peters. Caregiving can at times take over every part of your life. Phyllis shares her experience of caregiving for the five members in her family's older generation. Write and/or Discuss
Consider Here are links to helpful practices and strategies for sustaining your response to the call of caregiver.
Take Heart I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:1-4) Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised. (Psalm 96:1-4) Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100:3, 5) |
