Together

 I really like when two of my caregivers are able to come together to help me. It isn't super necessary, but it just makes the whole process faster, easier, less stressful, and more enjoyable for everyone. But it hasn't worked out that way as often as I hoped, so most of the time it is one lady coming by herself to get the job done. 

No one ever complains to me, but I am very sensitive to their nervousness or struggles and I wish I could do more to help them. If I could just bear my weight more, or hold my balance better, or use my hands to grab and pull things... but I can't do any of that. So, I do what I can, which is trying to guide and encourage them, reassure them and make them laugh. I tell them to take their time and take a little break if they need it. I silently pray for them to have the strength they need and also that they don't get hurt in the process. Basically, I'm trying to serve them in any way possible as they seek to serve me. 

It occurred to me a few weeks ago that when I involve God in the caregiving process by praying for strength and protection, that he becomes an active participant in my care team, too. So even if only one lady is able to come, it's actually a team of three - her, me, and God. "You're not doing this alone," I often say to the lady who is dabbing sweat off her face. "I'm here with you, and God's got both of us. We're in this together."

That partnership mindset is incredibly important, both for the person giving care and the person receiving it. Thinking that caregiving is all about one person doing everything for another person puts us all in an unhealthy power imbalance. Positive caregiving - whether with friends, family, or medical professionals - needs to recognize the value and worth that both parties bring to the table and allow them both to exercise their gifts to contribute to the common goals as well as to the benefit and success of the other person.  

We need each other. We need to humbly ask and graciously receive help in our weakness. We need to be proactive and intentional about using our strengths to serve others. And we also need to recognize our common need for God's mercy and grace to lift us up. He is the Ultimate Caregiver - faithful and true and so, so good.

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