April 28th

Caring for Parents - April 2020

Dear Caregivers~

While this email still comes just once-a-month, know that these days you are in my thoughts and prayers often.

For some of you it has been six weeks since you’ve been able to visit your parent living in a personal care home. Others are staying away from your parents’ homes to protect them from the coronavirus. And others of you know that the risks of being alone are greater than the virus, and you see your parent regularly. There’s no one right way to respond. These are hard times. You are all doing your best to care for your parents.

In worship Sunday, we read the creation story from Genesis 1. God creates with grace and with blessing. God starts and ends with love. God starts and ends with goodness. God starts and ends with blessing. We are made in the image of God. “And Gad saw what he had made, and indeed, it was very good.”

Dearest caregiver, you are a beloved child of God.
Dearest caregiver, your parent is a beloved child of God.

May you hold on to these words as you care for your parents in these uncertain and unsettling days.

And if words are hard these days, I offer you this prayer I wrote for you:

God of all creation,
by your word there was light,
by your hands day was separated into night.
You made us in your image,
blessed us,
and entrusted your creation to our care. 

Speak to us today a word of blessing and of care.
Grant us strength when we are tired and
give us wisdom when we are conflicted about what to do.
Help us to make decisions in the best interest of our parents. 

As hard as it is to be apart, we give you thanks
for the health care workers who tend to our parents;
who can give them a gentle touch and a kind smile when we can’t.
Keep them safe and encourage them in their work. 

Help us to trust that our parents are safe in the shelter of your wing.
Assure them of your everlasting love.
Though they may be apart from people, they are not alone.
You are present with them, as you are present with us.
In the name of Jesus, our risen Saviour, we pray. Amen. 

May God bless you and keep you as you care for your parents.

In Christ’s peace,
Pastor Rachel