CAREGIVERS.
On the Cross, Jesus said, “Behold your mother.” -{John 19:27}. In His Hour of suffering, and pain, He looks out for the welfare of another. Such is the heart of a caregiver. Other orientated! Also, note it was not a matter of convenience. It never is. He was on the cross! It was an issue of love. It always is. Caregiving is a sacrificial giving of oneself to the well-being and benefit of others often at great personal cost! Caregiving can often be a lonely labor of love. Emotional, exhausting labor…
Even when the caregiver gets a “break” to go shopping perhaps, to get out of the house or situation, the mind is often back with the loved one, wondering if are they ok, etc.
Job said, “in time of adversity there should be KINDNESS from his friend.” How easy it is to forget, and neglect, the caregiver, as though somehow, they become invisible against the background of the sick person or the person they are caring for. And yet it is the caregiver who often carries the load, paying the bills, handling medicines, and caring for the one who needs care around the clock. Life becomes very narrow and focused. Their life is being spent on another. Often un-noticed.
The ones who give the most, are often the ones who are appreciated or recognized the least. They need to be encouraged, helped, and in need of …KINDNESS!
Do you know a CAREGIVER? Can you ask the question, “What can I do that would be of help to you?” Then LISTEN with the intent -to help THE WAY they say – not the way YOU think they need help or the way you think you would want help. LISTEN to them!
- If Hall-Mark were to proclaim “the Day of the Caregiver,” is that what it would take to have you and me STOP, THINK and GO do something? It’s kind of sad, if that’s what it would take to do so!
Today, stop, PRAY, think and see what can you BE to someone who is a Caregiver. And if you find yourself as a caregiver as tough as it is at times, be encouraged that Jesus said, “As you do to the least of these… you DO unto me.” “As you have OPPORTUNITY Do good to All men…”- Your caregiving is an opportunity to express love to Him and He does not forget the love you show Him as you show love to another. {Read Heb 6:10}.
When it gets hard and difficult, and perhaps lonely and tearful, know He understands and cares for you and loves you. You are THE GREAT ONE among us, as Jesus says “the greatest among you is the servant.” No, you may not be noticed, appreciated, or observed here, but there, where you are Heading, in the Father’s House your love shown is known and appreciated and will be rewarded! “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. ‘For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? ‘And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? ‘When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ “The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’-{Matt 25;34-40}
- Thank you to those of you who are caregivers…
- Thank you to those who SHOW KINDNESS to the caregivers and will this day do so…
A Note to encourage. An offer to ask “what can I do that would help you?’ Note the question, not telling them but asking what would benefit them. There is a HUGE Difference.
- CAREGIVERS NEED PRAYERS
- CAREGIVERS NEED TO BE CARED FOR TOO AND ACTS OF KINDNESS SHOWN TO THEM; For Kindness is an expression of love. And Love is the HALLMARK of the follower of Christ! “By this ALL MEN will know you are MY disciples by your love…”-{Read1 Cor 13:4; John 13:34-35; Gal 6:2}.
* YOUR CAREGIVING IS A TESTIMONY TO HIM! “ Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. ” –{Matt 5:16}.
How do I know about Care Givers? I have been a recipient for years, …
HOW WILL YOU THOUGHTFULLY ENCOURAGE AND SHOW KINDNESS TO A CAREGIVER TODAY? They would appreciate it and in doing so…you express the love of Christ to them…
God bless.