Dear Caregiver....

July 27, 2015

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Dear Caregiver,

I’m thinking of you this morning. Maybe you’re repeating yourself for the thirteenth time, heading out to a doctor’s appointment, answering yet another urgent phone call, preparing a meal, cleaning up, or catching a few rare moments of quiet. You might be a daughter, a son, a mother, a father, a wife, a husband, a nurse, a hospice worker, or an aid. Maybe you’re caring for someone in your own family, or perhaps you never knew this person existed until you were given their name. It’s possible you’re loving what you do. On the other hand, maybe you’re feeling like any joy has been zapped from your to-do’s.

However your story reads at this moment, I want to tell you something: Thank you. Thank you for caring enough to go the extra mile, to do the dirty work when necessary, to simply be there. I’ve seen some of you in action, and I know you have a big job. I know that to do it well takes patience, selflessness and self-control. I also know what a blessing it is to families like mine to have another set of capable hands ready to help and another kind heart to care.

You live in a world that tempts everyone to value production over people, but your work stands in contrast to that. Those you serve may not be able to produce much of monetary value, but you value them anyway. Thus, you invest every day in something that lasts for eternity – living souls. For all of this and so much more, I’m grateful for you. Whether you feel like you deserve it or not, thank you.

You live in a world that tempts everyone to value production over people, but your work stands in contrast to that . . . Thus, you invest every day in something that lasts for eternity – living souls.

I’m also praying for you this morning. From my experience, I’ve seen that your days can be filled with sad pictures.

I’m praying that God will give you sunny blessings in the midst of grey skies.

Your work may be wearing on your heart and your health.

I’m praying that God will guard your heart, strengthen your hands, and give you refreshing sleep.

And for those nights when you’re awakened yet again,

I’m praying that His joy will be your strength to get you through another day.

On the days when you feel like you have a thankless, unnoticed job,

I’m praying that you’ll remember that not everyone whom Jesus helped thanked Him either and that – no matter where you are – He sees what you’re doing right now.

If your cup is empty,

I’m praying that God will make it overflow.

When you’re the one who needs comfort but you have to give it instead,

I’m praying that you’ll remember that the God of all comfort values your tears (Ps. 56:8) and is right there with you.

I’m praying that when you need it most, He will give you the tender words you need, whether for yourself or someone else.

And maybe it will help a little to know that today someone is thinking of, thankful for and praying for you.

Hugs & Blessings,
Kristen

By Kristen Hammer.

Originally originally written for www.alittlebitolder.com

Read more on Kristen's blog at www.astoryfullife.com

July 27, 2015 by Kristen Hammer

Category:
  • Caring for Parents and Relatives
  • Home-based Elder Care in a Family Economy