One of the hardest things I have found as a chronically ill, disabled person is needing help regularly when you know it is hard for your family or friends to step in or hard for other caregivers. We would prefer to do things ourselves both for independence and, honestly, to just do things “our” way. Sometimes it is difficult to work everything around everyone else’s schedule for little things. Yet, we are so thankful for the help. It is just hard on both sides.
Contemplating this, it made me think of this verse. This situation in which we find ourselves gives us an amazing opportunity. What, you say? An opportunity? Yes, an opportunity to deny ourselves and follow Christ in our daily life.
“23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
What do I mean by this? Simply by reason of our disability we have to be put first so much. So, as often as possible, put the caregivers first. This could be changing our schedule to accommodate the caregivers even if less than convenient for us. Choose simple meals if they are making meals for you or be thankful for whatever is provided. Smile even on the hard days. Listen to what is going on in their lives and ask questions. Everyone has their own way of doing things. Unless it affects your needs, allow them to do things such as cleaning or folding laundry the way they are comfortable or accustomed.
Sometimes, it is the little things that are hardest to deny ourselves. We have this amazing opportunity to show our caregivers Christ and His love! Let’s grasp the opportunity!
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