But You, Eternal One, wrap around me like an impenetrable shield. You give me glory and lift my eyes up to the Heavens. Psalm 3:3 (Voice)
“I just can’t believe it!” she said loudly. “We are the ones who care for her day and night. We brought her in to our home and wait on her hand and foot. Is there ever any gratitude? What would it hurt her to say thanks every once in a while! Then her daughter, who couldn’t find time for her when she lived next door to her, is the perfect child just because she sends her little presents for her special days.”
She continued to unload for a while longer. Finally, she looked up at me with tears in her eyes and said, “Does this ever end?”
Sometimes you wonder about all the great things you could do if you were not carrying the heavy load of care giving. You are looking down and can feel overwhelmed with the burden of responsibilities. It seems like no one notices all that you do. It’s especially hard when you receive no expressions of gratitude from those you take care of and others don’t carry their weight.
Hope Tools
Share the weight
Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Put My yoke upon your shoulders – it might appear heavy at first, but it is perfectly fitted to your curves. Matthew 11:28 (Voice)
If you are weary come to Jesus. He knows all about what you are going through. Rest as you press in to His love and acceptance. This yoke might appear heavy at first but nothing takes Him by surprise.
Practical application
- Stop being a martyr
- Stop hinting that you need help
- Make a list of ways others can help
- Give them written instructions and let them have the joy of spending time with your loved one.
- Take good care of yourself.
- Take a break.
- Go do something for yourself.
- Go to the doctor.
- Take your vitamins.
- Walk every day.
- Eat more vegetables.
- Stop complaining and take action.
- Lift your head and find the good in this season
Prayer
Thank You, Lord, for the opportunity to carry the responsibility to care for ________________. I thank you for choosing me to carry this weight. I lift my eyes to You as my source of strength and courage in the difficult days ahead (Psalm 3:3 Voice).
I come to You. I am tired and overwhelmed. I can’t sleep because I have so many problems running around in my thoughts. I thank You for Your promise to give me rest. I gather close to You as we share the yoke of being a care giver. The burden feels so heavy yet I know that as I adjust to this calling that I am in the perfect place. I will live with no regrets as I honor my loved ones(s)( Matthew 11:28 Voice). In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Author, speaker, corporate trainer, ordained minister and Hope Catalyst, Karen Sebastian enjoys sharing her rich life experiences with others – engaging them in adventurous discoveries of the beauty of hope in a dark, cloudy world. To increase hope and improve relationships with yourself and those that you love, sign up to receive Karen’s emails.
You may order Karen’s latest book, The Power of Hope in Mourning here.
