Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Caregivers

From John 19:25-27 in the New Living Translation:

Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her. “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.
This morning I read this from John. Jesus, on the cross, assigned the care of his mother to a beloved disciple. There you have it--caregiving in Scripture.  In my yearly journey through Scripture I may find more examples of caregiving.

Who has been assigned to us? My husband is assigned to me. One day I want to hear, "Carol, well-done, thou good and faithful servant." This means that without complaining, with thoughtful care and study, I have a charge from the LORD. It doesn't matter that there are kids and grandchildren. It doesn't matter that one day he may have to be put in the "home" if things are too hard for me at home. I am his caregiver for better for worse, until death us do part.

There is a dear lady in my acquaintance who took in a non-relative to care for her because she had no one else to be there for her and she faithfully was a caregiver until that woman passed away. Some years have gone by. Now that lady has beginning dementia. A family is there for her and I pray for her and her family.  She set the pace in this Christian family, didn't she!
Dear LORD,
Help us be the best caregivers we can be
for your glory.
Amen. 

6 comments:

  1. Amen, Sister! Love this example of caregiving in Scripture. I always think of St. Paul as Caregiver Extrodinaire for the early church. I'm comforted by the fact that he quite often lost patience with his wayward care recipients; although never in a sinful way as I'm prone to do!. Paul's exhortation to the church and exasperation with Mom aren't the same emotions! Thanks to the good Lord for His patience and love. The Lord has been good to us!

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  2. I meant to say MY exasperation with Mom. As far as I know, St. Paul did not get exasperated with his mother.

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  3. Great example Carol!!!

    Care giving is and can be a difficult road, but it's also very rewarding.

    I've thought often that I'm glad that I'm the one taking care of David, and not him having to care for me. And it's not that I don't want Alzheimer's, but I know it would be so hard for him, knowing his care giving (lack of) skills.
    Not sure this makes sense..... Anyway...... God is good... HE will never give us more than we can handle.
    Hugs to you sweet friend!

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  4. I am sure you will find many supportive verses, Carol.
    The great commandment is to love the Lord thy God and the second to it to love one another.

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  5. Amen! My mother set a wonderful example for my sister and I as she first cared for her mother and then my father. I pray for God's grace to do the same.

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