Tag Archives: caring

5 Caregiving Lessons from Moms and Grannies

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This morning at a meeting, I observed some of the greatest caregivers ever. Watching them I realize afresh, caregiving IS caring, period. A caregiver is a person of any age who takes time to care for those in their family or their sphere of influence.

I was in a planning meeting today with a group of women, young and not-so-young. from several of our area churches. When I left the house it was below freezing and the ground was snow-covered. I wondered if any would make it.

As ladies drifted in, one granny got her two young grandchildren settled with something to occupy themselves before she grabbed a cup of coffee and joined us. An older girl was likewise made comfortable by her grandmother before she found her seat.

As the hours passed, I watched a young mother quietly feed and care for her infant, meeting his needs as she contributed to the meeting.  

Several of these women had risen early to prepare their homes for their return at lunchtime. Most had driven many miles in freezing weather to attend. We had a record attendance and the enthusiasm was contagious.

I could not help but think of the valuable lessons these little ones are learning from their parents and grandparents. Here are just a few I noted today:

#1 That they are loved, have value, and will be cared for even while the adults have other obligations.

#2  Keeping commitments is important, even when it calls for extra work or inconvenience. They will someday realize the value in serving others, even when it is not necessarily the easiest thing to do.

#3  They observed their parent/grandparent as a calm, organized adult meeting the needs of others even when they could have stayed home by the fire.

#4  They learned by their own actions how to respect and honor those around them; how to be quiet when the adults were busy in a meeting.

#5  And lastly, but certainly not least, they watched first-hand how important serving Jesus and His Church is to their parent/grandparent.

Today was simply a scheduled meeting with a bunch of ladies planning another retreat. Or so it was with some. For their director, it was a worship experience. Those precious ladies came caring for family, yes. They also came caring for their lost friends and neighbors. They came to serve. They are true caregivers!

I am humbled, honored, and blessed.

I wonder, what are you and I teaching in our home with our actions? I pray you and I, too, will never be too busy or too tired to be an encouragement to others.

hugs,

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Life Changing Value of a Caring Smile

Life Changing Value of a Caring Smile

This week I learned of my brother’s good example of a caring smile offered hope for others and encouragement. I think he was as surprised as I that his simple acts of kindness meant so much to others.

We were leaving a gospel concert when an enthusiastic lady practically jumped into his arms. The two of them hugged, giggled, wept like long-lost family as I stood by. He finally introduced me to Lois.

“Pleased to meet you,” she said. “I’m sure you are wondering who in the world I am!”

Well, that was indeed an understatement.

“Your brother saved my life. I do not know how I could have made it through the past few months without his caring smile.”  As Lois shared her story, I saw a different side of my little brother. Lois’ husband had been in dialysis three times a week with Richard. Apparently, her husband did not take it well, was harsh with her and gave the employees a difficult time.

She said Richard’s steady smile had saved her much pain. “Walking out of that place and seeing your brother’s broad smile and bright twinkling eyes gave me courage to keep going one more day.”

Apparently her husband had to be coaxed into returning each visit and grumbled and complained the entire four hours.

My brother, on the other hand, had accepted this as a part of life; he followed doctor’s orders as far as eating and activities and readily came to his appointments. He chose to look beyond his circumstances and encourage those around him.

I am told that he often brings the men and women working in that unit freshly baked treats. He also brings them his first Iris blooms, given heartily with hugs and smiles.

I did not know my brother was such a ray of sunshine! He has chosen to be an encourager and live every day of his life for others regardless of circumstances. I am proud of him.

Perhaps this is a lesson for each of us. When we get tired and want to run away, maybe we need to find someone needing a hug or smile and therefore lighten both our loads.

God bless you on your journey, let me hear from you.

Finding Balance and Counting Blessings

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Although tiring and often challenging, most days of caregiving are filled with rewards and blessings. There are times, however, when the stress and routine of the job seem to win.

Can you relate? The most menial tasks have suddenly become overwhelming. It has been a major struggle to care for yourself let alone others. Grumbling and complaining have taken your music and robbed you of your joy.

The concerns you are dealing with may be serious with no clear answers in sight. Faithful helpers have suddenly dropped out of circulation and you are left alone.

Adding to the stress, your long-awaited one-day outing has just been canceled due to an unexpected storm in the forecast.

Perhaps you are trying to make better menu choices for yourself, family and all in your care. However, today you are starving and there is no relief in sight! 

Now what? How do you pull out of such a deep pit and back into circulation? How do we escape?  

When I have times like that, all my helpers could show up at one time and I’d still be in the pit. I could eat the refrigerator and all its contents and still be starving. I know food is not the answer to my dilemma.

Recently I have found the Serenity Prayer to be a welcome reminder – I am not alone.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.  Are there things in my life right now I need to accept, deal with, and move on? The Lord will give the strength and peace I need if I ask.

… courage to change the things I can. What actions could I take to make my work run smoother? Do I need to accept help from others? Are there changes in the way I do things that would help? Could I use my time more wisely?

… wisdom to know the difference. God in heaven knows what is best for me. If I am to go through trials, He is there to comfort and to guide. If He desires change in my life, He will provide it as I yield to His will.

 This thought from Colossians helps put my day in perspective:  “Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.”

As you serve others, I pray for you days of health, sunshine, and love.

Hugs,

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