Caring for Parents - Spring 2021

Caring for Parents - Spring 2021

Dear Caregivers~

The work you do caring for your aging parents is holy work. It is also hard work made harder by the pandemic. And still you do it. You put one foot in front of the other as you navigate the changing needs of your parents and the changing public health guidelines and your own changing levels of energy. Your work may feel unseen, but it is noticed - by your parent and by God.

It's been a while since I've shared some practical tips. Last week the New York Times had a helpful article, "Many Older Adults Lack Even Simple, Helpful Equipment," on the small things that can help older adults stay, and even thrive, at home as they age. 

I also want to share with you this Blessing for Givers Kate Bowler posted on her Instagram account and website. She gave me permission to share it with you. (You can follow the link or read it below.)

Ever faithful caregivers, may God strengthen and encourage you as you care for your aging parents.

In Christ,
Pastor Rachel

a blessing for givers who need to receive by Kate Bowler

oh God you see them,
the ones who are overwhelmed–
the caregivers and workers,
Zoom warriors and parents–
all those who are givers
whose greatest need now
is just to be able to receive.

God come in Your power
come in Your tenderness
to bring the help
and relief they need.

God have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Spirit have mercy.

Be assured,
that nothing you do for him
is ever lost or ever wasted.
1 Corinthians 15:58  

God have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Spirit have mercy.

o God,
they have worked
so hard for so long,
struggling to shore up
the damage from hardship,
isolation, sickness and want.
they have given
and given and given,
yet the needs keep coming.

and God, sometimes
there really is nothing extra
no more resources,
no last minute reprieve,
and the suffering goes on.

o God,
you see that one who is alone
in the work and the responsibility,
in the shifting of all that rubble,
the clearing away
of the debris of calamity.

God you see them
beginning to weaken,
beginning to collapse on the inside.

O God blessed are we who pray
that You would send
actual support in human form,
to bring all that they need for rest
and the renewed resilience
that will make it possible
to fulfill the beautiful purposes
to which they are called.

and blessed are we
who consider well,
how to play our part too.

I am the Lord your God,
who brought you up
out of the land of Egypt.
Open your mouth wide,
and I will fill it.
Psalm 81:10 RSV 

God have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Spirit have mercy.

Be blessed to receive.
Then find that giver
whose strength is low.
And be blessed to give.

Go and enjoy choice food
and sweet drinks,
and send some to those
who have nothing prepared.

This day is holy to our Lord.
Do not grieve, for the joy
of the LORD is your strength.
Nehemiah 8:10