The Difficult Task Of Caregiving
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles
During the six months that I and my son were the sole caregivers for my wife, Nancy (who has vascular dementia), I learned from this AARP web site, that there is an estimated 65.7 million Americans who are unpaid caregivers, and a majority of them currently work or have worked while providing care. In providing care for their loved ones, these caregivers found that God, family, and friends were great sources of strength.
In taking care of my wife’s physical needs, I often went to the Lord in prayer (and still do). I’m very thankful that she is now in a local nursing care facility (thanks to the generous donations by members of the Lord’s church), being cared for by a compassionate staff of professional caregivers, allowing me to work part time in order to help pay the monthly cost of the facility, plus the medical bills that my wife‘s insurance did not cover (the 20 percent).
The Psalmist tells us,
“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea” (Psalm 46:1-2).
Through prayer, we can step into the calming presence of the Lord and find strength to go on (Philippians 4:13). As we bring our heartaches and needs to God, He meets us where we are and gives us His peace (John 14:27). He is an ever-present help who gives us strength, and cares for us in every situation (Psalm 130:1-2; 1 Peter 5:6-7).
Caregiving is indeed a high calling and a very difficult task. But know that there is strength from the Lord to help us as we care for our loved ones who depend on us for help.
Related Articles:
- God Has Great Concern For The Poor
- The Poor Widow’s Sacrificial Heart
- Seeking The Advice Of Wise Counselors