Gift for Caregivers : Some Christmas Cheer
Inspiration for caregivers: our Faith in Caregiving series offers hope & a message of the spiritual side of caregiving. Bring joy & peace to loved ones this Christmas season.
Our Faith in Caregiving series ends 2015 with a gift for caregivers, some Christmas cheer. Thank you to Veronica Badowski, for her her continued efforts to address the spiritual side of caregiving.
BIBLE VERSE
Luke 1:30-31
“…the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary: you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.”
Luke 1:38
“I am the Lord’s servant, Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled. Then the angel left her.”
Describe in your own words Mary’s reaction to the news the angel gave her.
MEDITATION
I always felt the Lord wanted me to be my parents’ caregiver; it was just a feeling deep inside me. Basically, I was given a job just as Mary was given a job. Of course, her job was spectacular. And awesome while mine was important, but not Bible material. I’m not trying to even come close to comparing my work with Mary’s. Yet, in the scheme of things for my parents, I was their hero. All loving caregivers are heroes. Whether we care for our loved ones at home or at a facility… we make personal sacrifices as we strive to meet their daily needs or be alert advocates.
We want them to feel safe, secure, and important.
What better time of the year… than the Christmas season to ponder how our words and actions will show those we care for they are important to us!
Take time to sit next to them. Hold their hand while watching holiday television shows together. Maybe our loved ones just want to chat, talking about what they need to share or reminisce. If your loved one is still able, make time to take them to Christmas worship services.
And later for a tour of all the cheerful Christmas lights in neighborhood yards. For those in facilities, be present for Christmas programs and dinner. It is a good time to bring their presents as well. For those still home, we can plan to buy or make an over-the-top delicious Christmas dinner… with all the trimmings. Include table decorations, bright Christmas napkins, and up-beat holiday music.
This Christmas let’s make our loved ones feel loved because they are, not only by us but by God; they are His children too. Let this celebration of joy and peace is a yearlong sentiment!
YOUR JOURNAL
Outline plans for… special trips… meals… or celebrations during the holiday season that will bring warmth and cheer to you and those you care for. Think about what you need to do to make your plans become reality.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for humbly coming to earth in a stable and giving your life to be our Savior. During this Christmas season, grant me the wisdom to bring Christ-like love into my home. As I offer care each day, teach me to have Mary’s willing spirit of obedience and service. Show me how to pace myself so there will be time for peaceful moments of meditation and self-care. Come, Holy Spirit… may the joy of Jesus’ birth shine out of my actions.. and words so your presence is real to my loved ones, I pray in Jesus' name, Amen!
Treading Water with God: Lessons in Love While CareGiving is a book, especially for you, the home caregiver, and those who love and support you in your work. Your job is often difficult and tiring physically, mentally, and emotionally. Just like Veronica Kelly Badowski, the author of this book, you too can find enthusiasm and endurance by staying close to God who shares His wisdom, guidance, strength, and peace.
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