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Who Am I Really?


It's so easy to get lost in the shuffle. We don't have to go through the list of all the things we have to do in a day, or the numerous people who come through weekly to check on our loved one, or the paperwork we have to keep up with - all to provide proper care. But most of these activities are based around the one we are caring for - not around us.

My "love language" is time. If you spend time with me I feel loved. You can lavish gifts on me  (not that anyone has tried that recently! lol) and I won't necessarily be able to translate that as love. But spend time with me and I will feel like you care.

The social isolation of caregiving and the always feeling like you're out of step with normal can start to wear on you. Lately, I'm so much more comfortable with caregiving - and not struggling as much about going into public places. I guess that happens when you don't have an aide for an extended period of time and you just have to adjust. I also nearly ran out of coffee - that'll get you out of the house. ;-)

But over the weekend, I had to do some thinking and dealing with the feelings of rejection. It can be easy to feel like life itself has rejected us - like we don't really belong anywhere. It's not true - but it can feel that way. To be honest, even small things like aides not showing up can wear away at one's self-worth. The one aide needs to get fingerprints. This is his second week to not work and for me it sends the message we are not worth his time to go get that done. And of course the company doesn't offer a fill-in. This and many other things can wear away at one's self-worth.

Last week I was dealing with this issue, actually caused by another event and I felt myself slipping into the abyss. Feelings of worthlessness, rejection, and aloneness tried to weigh me down. I started rehearsing some of the scriptures that reminded me of how much He loves me - no matter what life looks like or if I have to do it alone.

I compiled the list and labeled the file Come Away my Beloved. Because the truth is that we are His beloved - no matter what our lives look like to us or to others. Whether we are a sole caregiver or actually have some help, whether we can attend church or can't get out much at all. It doesn't matter we are still His beloved. That's who we really are and it doesn't change, period.

Today I am going to focus on the truth that I am His beloved child. My thoughts will be on His acceptance of me - just.the.way.I.am. I will turn my meditations to how much He loves me and cares for me in this life I am living for Him. I'll rest in His love for today. Will you join me?

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Comments

  1. Leslie RichardsonMarch 22, 2017 at 3:09 AM

    I read the list and felt led to send to someone (not a caretaker). But I've learned whenever I get that 'nudge' and obey, invariably it blesses the recipient. So thank you for sharing that.

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    Replies
    1. Jeanie OlingerMarch 22, 2017 at 3:22 AM

      Thank you for sharing it with someone else as you felt led. I didn't write it specifically for caregivers, just shared it here so I'm glad you shared it! Thanks for reading (and sharing!).

      Delete
  2. Leslie RichardsonMarch 23, 2017 at 2:35 AM

    she told me it hit home powerfully! thank you again for providing that balm.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jeanie OlingerMarch 24, 2017 at 3:39 AM

      That is great to here. I hope to create a few more on other topics. Thanks for sharing it with her.

      Delete

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