For Those Who Care

FOR THOSE WHO Care …..

"There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers."

Rosalyn Carter

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and today I close out this Month’s blog by dedicating it to the caregivers. The ones who care for others, the ones who feed, bathe and tend to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of others. The unsung heroes whose daily work leaps obstacles in a single bound. The ones who take time to be present with others. They improve the quality of life for the ones they care for and more.

This week I had a conversation with a friend about impact that caregiving has on the caregiver. We talked about the importance of intentional self care and being intentional about finding time to care for ourselves. It is not unusual for caregivers to spend so much time for caring for others, that they neglect themselves. As we focus on Mental Health Awareness,

Here are some tangible ways that you can be a blessing to a caregiver:

  • Say Thank You: A simple "thank you" or a heartfelt note can brighten a caregiver's day.

  • Offer Help: Offering to assist with tasks, even small ones, can give caregivers a much-needed break.

  • Listen to Them: Being a good listener can provide caregivers with important emotional support.

And if you are a caregiver, here are some ways that you can start to offer care for yourself:

  • Stay Connected: Spend time with friends, family, or support groups. Lean into community.

  • Check In with Yourself Each Day:Give Yourself Grace: Be kind to yourself and breathe.

  • Seek Resources: Find support groups for caregivers at Click this link - Caregivers Support Groups

This poem is my way of showing appreciation to those of you who take time to care, listen and be present. Caregivers, this is dedicated to you. Feel free to share it with other caregivers in your life.

“ … but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

Isaiah 40:31 NRSV

“ I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

This is for those of you who know what it means to wait. You spend precious time waiting on and with others.

You wait with them as they wade through moments of uncertainty, exhaustion, grief and the unknown.

You understand the ministry of presence through waiting and intentional listening.

You understand that waiting is a part of ministry. Life requires moments of waiting, those unexpected and often unwanted pauses that may seem to stop the journey.

You comfort others in these multiple moments of waiting.

You know what it means to wait …

You are present and are with them in the waiting.

In the midst of these waits, you have accompanied others and watched as they have released weights.

You accompany them through their journeys.

This prayer is for those of you who know what it means to wait. It is dedicated to the ones who spend time waiting on and with others.

The Creator spends precious time waiting on and with YOU. The Creator is present and with YOU in the waiting as YOU wade through moments of uncertainty, exhaustion, grief and the unknown.

This prayer is a reminder that YOU are accompanied and covered in prayer as YOU wait.

May YOU receive moments to refuel in the midst of waits.

May YOU be given an opportunity to release some weight while YOU wait.

Remember that YOU are accompanied by the One who understands the ministry of presence and intentional listening.

YOU are accompanied by the One who will never leave you and will wait with YOU.

Be a blessing to a caregiver in your life today and if you are a caregiver, give yourself the gift of grace and remember the One who cares for you.

Rev. Sheila P. Spencer