Even though the caregiver's schedule is hectic even at its most peaceful times, it has a way of lulling us into complacency. We know what to expect and when to expect it and basically nothing surprises us anymore. There's not a lot of spontaneity in the caregiver's life because there's a whole series of events that must occur to just go somewhere. It can take massive amounts of planning to just wiggle something like a movie into the schedule. Sometimes it's easier to just stay home instead of undertaking all the work necessary just to go get necessities. Complacent.
1 Peter 1:13 gives believers a stern warning regarding becoming complacent in our faith. Peter tells them to prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on His grace. This verse is full of action that the believer must perform in order to keep from being complacent in our faith. As caregivers, our body gets tired and emotions can run thin and we can easily chill out and "turn off life." We can stop fighting for our faith mostly because we are just too tired body, soul and spirit. But it's important for us to remain diligent about keeping our minds sober and our hope fixed on His grace. We can't be distracted from Him by our crazy lives as caregivers.
Sometimes I think I'm too tired to be diligent; or I just want to rest from it all. I would love an emotional break - forget an actual physical vacation (what is that? lol) I'd just love for my emotions to be settled down and my mind to slow down and let my spirit man catch his breath! But while the caregiver may be thinking all of that, there is a good reason for us to keep ourselves in tip-top shape spiritually.
1 Peter 5:8 gives us the reason we have to be diligent even though we are tired. Our adversary, the devil, is seeking to destroy us. He doesn't want to destroy us physically - he wants our faith. When we allow caregiving to lull us into a complacent state spiritually - we become easy prey. So as difficult as it can be to stay focused on spiritual things through the distractions of caregiving - it is necessary for our spiritual being that we maintain our spirit man.
Today I am going to focus on how the Spirit of God lives in me to give me life. I'm going to purposefully feed my spirit His word instead of feeding my mind. My meditations will be on how I can remain diligent about pursuing Him and letting His peace reign in my heart and mind. Will you join me?
Yes I will!! I get so tired physically caring for my sweet wife. There are so many days I feel as if there must be something wrong with me. I must be sick, but then I will have a day like yesterday . I actually felt good , had enough energy in the afternoon to go swim laps. Even though its a major deal to cart Loretta along , I did it. Our routines are a blessing in some ways because they force us out of the house. I take my wife to speech and physical therapy twice a week and to a gym the other days. Our day begins around 6 am and then the clock starts ticking. I have anywhere from 2 to 3 hours to get her ready, depending on if she wants to get up or not. I wanted to list everything we do to get ready but thought, no ,its a very long list. lol By the time we get home around 12 or 1, get lunch, clean up lunch , change Loretta make sure we do good oral care ect ect ect I am usually exhausted. And did I mention I ain't no spring chicken.
ReplyDeleteSo thanks Jeanie for the only devotional I have ever found that relates so intimately with our own struggles.
Thank you so much with sharing with us! I know many can relate to the craziness of just getting up and going in the morning as you described. Many people try to tell the caregiver that they need to "get out more." And I know it's true but they have no earthly idea what that means and all that is involved. And of course unless they help (which does happen occasionally) they don't have a clue as to how exhausting it can be! Thanks again for sharing - and thanks for reading!
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