A few months ago I talked about some Inspirational People in my life. At that time, I did touch on the specialness of one particular caregiver, but I wanted to expound on that importance of the caregiver a little more. I truly believe they deserve a special shout out, and they need to know what a blessing they are.
I also mentioned in another writing, about the Bible Study I’m involved in this year encouraged us to do some type of “ministry” work outside of our comfort zone. The jail ministry did not work out, so when a Deacon in our Bible Study mentioned about praying for a gentlemen who used to go to our church who has had cancer for the last four years, right away, I felt compelled to go visit them.
To do something outside of ourselves and our little, familiar comfort zone can be scary but I am really finding that I need to continue to follow that little prompting and step out in faith. I will admit I kept going back and forth in my mind if I could really call them to see if they were open to a visit and then go and do that. And then I’m thinking, what will I talk about or say to them. Thankfully, I got brave, did call, not just once, but twice (as nobody answered the first time). The wife was more than happy to accept an invitation for a visit, and so I was off to their house the next morning.
It just so happened that the lady used to babysit my eldest child..only about 18 or 19 years ago! It seems hard to believe that it was probably about two years ago when I ran into her at the grocery store and we conversed for a bit. Other than that, I have not seen them too much through the years.
As always, it is delightful to see how God works things out. I had scheduled the visit around a birthday lunch with a friend of mine, allowing an hour visit before meeting my friend. In the end, it really worked out that my friend could not make the lunch date. That way, I did not have a time constraint with the couple I was visiting.
I brought some cookies for them, which they greatly appreciated, she made some coffee, and though at times I felt like maybe my words didn’t come out right, I know the visit meant a lot to them. We all had a wonderful time catching up on each other’s families, and reminiscing about the “old” days, and just being there for them. More than three hours flew by before I left!
Photo credit by garlandcannon under Creative Commons License (CC BY-SA 2.0)
During my visit, I was very blessed to see the two of them interact, as well with their one daughter that was home helping them out. It made me realize once again how special the role of a caregiver is and the extreme sacrifices they make. The caregivers that I know personally, care for their loved ones with such love and devotion.
I’ve witnessed the caregivers:
–Serving their loved one with respect
–Serving their loved one with dignity
–Serving their loved one with such love
–Serving their loved one with such patience
–Serving their loved one with gentleness
–Serving their loved one with kindness
–Serving their loved one with such faithfulness
–Serving their loved one with words of endearment
I know the caregivers often sacrifice their own wants and desires in order to be there for their loved one. Many times, the caregiver can not just go when they want because they might not be able to leave their loved one without someone being there. This can be so draining on the caregiver, but they continue to give us a great example.
It really is a special person who cares for another with such a humbling, loving spirit. What a true example of being Christ to their loved one.
So, I would just like to thank the blessed caregivers who give so much of themselves for their loved ones. They have touched my heart, and I know they are certainly following Jesus’ humble example of serving others.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. –Galatians 5:22-23
It is such a blessing to see caregivers inaction. I see this in you when you serve at school. You are a very caring gal and I just love to read your insights.
Thanks for your kind words, Mrs. Maiorana, and pointing out that connection! That means a lot. 🙂 I’m glad you’re still reading and being blessed.
Caregivers have a big heart. I am always so in awe by them. 🙂 #BloggerCareGroup
Indeed, Dianna. They truly are special people!
Thank you Christine – I am forwarding this to 2 “caregivers” that are both taking care of loved ones with Parkinsons. I think this will encourage them as it did me!
Thanks for doing that, Carol. I do hope they will be blessed and know what a blessing they are! I’m glad you were encouraged. God bless!
Thanks so much for sharing this Christine! Your observation grabbed me as KEY- “To do something outside of ourselves and our little, familiar comfort zone can be scary but” But we are so blessed when we expand our care and service outside of our comfort zone. Thanks for sharing this! It’s the little things that can make a huge difference and you’ve reminded me to overcome my shyness and/or fear to reach out and bless someone! hugs and blessings
Yes, God can help us overcome that shyness and/or fear, especially to bless others. He has given us the power. I’m glad you were encouraged to reach out and bless others. God bless all you do in His name!
Thank God for caregivers. It truly does take a special person to take on this role. May God bless each and everyone of them. #bloggercaregroup
Yes, Misty, caregivers are indeed special people and sometimes it can happen when we aren’t expecting it. Thanks for reading. God bless!