How Do We Rejoice In Our Caregiving?
Learn practical tips to avoid caregiver burnout and take care of your well-being while looking after ailing loved ones. Discover how to find support and nourish your mind, body, and spirit at our Caregiver Luncheon event on November 5.
A Glimpse of Hope: Navigating Caregiving Challenges with Gratitude
Caring for an ailing family member or friend is a labor of love, but it is labor. As your care recipient becomes frailer and/or requires more time and energy, you may find yourself giving up outside activities and vacations, saying “no” to time with friends, feeling distracted at work, and becoming easily stressed at home. If you try to do everything, you risk neglecting your health.
It’s no secret that when someone assumes the role of caregiver, they take on stress, exhaustion, and frustration. As a result, caregivers often report declining health, emotional fatigue, depression, and even spiritual depletion. You will need wisdom, discernment, and knowledge because the myriad of responsibilities leaves little time and energy for self-care and introspection. You will also need the support of friends, family members, and relatives and access to hands-on resources.
The ultimate sustainer, however, is God. His grace will help you remain faithful to fulfill your role as an effective and compassionate caregiver. In Psalms 57:1, the Psalmist writes, “Be gracious to me, God, be gracious to me, for in you has my soul taken refuge; Yes, in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge until the calamities have passed over.”
When we glance at the fresh sky in the mornings, we see a beautiful display of vibrant colors. Orange, gold, pink, and blue among the white clouds. It’s a reminder of God’s majesty and promise, a burst of hope. It’s a glimpse into the divine, allowing us to recognize and experience gratitude for His offering of hope and light.
In Scripture, those who actually saw Jesus understood the greater reality beyond what can normally be perceived, and they were transformed. Sometimes, in our caregiving, we are called to see beyond the disease and frustrations and to recall and celebrate the divine in the person we care for. We are Christ present to them—the helping hands of the Lord as we care for them. In turn, they are Christ present to us—Christ in the world among the poor, the ill, and the suffering.
So yes, we can rejoice in our caregiving! “Sing to the Lord, you saints; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:4-5
Important Tips for Caregivers to Avoid Burnout
Take care of yourself spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
Practice healthy living through regular exercise, a healthy diet, and plenty of rest.
Stay social by connecting with others in similar situations—this is a powerful resource.
Accept help as difficult as it may feel, realize you need a break, and others are blessed by helping.
Acknowledge your feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, sadness, anxiety, or fear as normal.
Allow for healthy expression of your feelings with your care recipient.
Allow for caregiving “holidays” by taking a time of respite.
Encourage healthy independence of your loved one.
Seek help through your church and local organizations.
Caregiver Luncheon
You’re invited to join us for a special Caregiver Luncheon on Sunday, November 5, at 12:30 PM in the Parlor. You will hear from Christ Church member Lynn Bennett Doyle during our time together. Lynn holds a Master of Science in Counseling from the University of Memphis and has worked in the Behavioral Health field her entire career. You will learn essential information, inspiration, and biblical guidance to help navigate the caregiving journey that will nourish your mind, body, and spirit. You will REJOICE that every day can be a new, fresh start to trust God and be blessed. We hope to see you there!
Sunday, November 5 at 12:30 PM
The Parlor | Christ Church Memphis
4488 Poplar Avenue
Memphis, TN 38117
For questions and more information, contact:
Alane Miller, LMSW
Care Associate for Mental Health
alanem@christchurchmemphis.org
(901) 202-6054 * office