While we are still technically in summer, already the days grow shorter and the leaves have begun to show a little color. I don’t know about you, but I always welcome the end of summer because it brings a time of endings and new beginnings. There is a sense of anticipation and curiosity about what the new season will bring. Will autumn come quickly or will October temperatures rival those of July? As summer’s relaxed pace quickens into fall will we be able to keep up with increased responsibilities and demands on our time? The holidays are just around the corner; will we be able to better manage that season this year than we did in 2018?
For many family caregivers, time seems to move at a much slower pace than the passing of the seasons. One day fades into the next with very few changes in terms of the life rhythms of the caregiver and those they care for. How about you? In this season of caregiving do your days hold a sense of anticipation or dread? Do you have hope that your situation will improve, or do you fear that you can’t keep up with the demands that caregiving places on your time and energy?
Whatever you are feeling, my hope would be that you can embrace this season of change with a sense of celebration and hope. God didn’t call you to this task only to abandon you here. He asks that you keep your eyes on Him in the midst of the physical, mental, or emotional storm that surrounds you. Trust Him to equip you with enough strength and resources each day to meet the challenges that will come. Ground yourself in prayer and scripture study.
Maybe you could even go back to school in a sense. Try to approach today’s challenges as an opportunity to discover new strategies, try out different ideas, stretch yourself to become more than you were in days gone by. Promote yourself to a new class of caregiving and celebrate the opportunity to care for the one you love. You will both benefit from your efforts.
Chris and I hope you’ll join us this week at Heart of the Caregiver and share your heart about learning new lessons in caregiving.
Heart of the Caregiver 