Help for care-givers

The Christian Science Monitor

Are you one those people who in addition to other full-time tasks is also caring for a relative or friend? Perhaps insurance doesn't cover the care that's needed. There's no one to provide it but you. Maybe besides being physically exhausted you're emotionally drained. Regardless of how much you love this dear person, you may sometimes feel hopelessly trapped.

I know about such feelings: I used to suffer from them. But through constant, humble prayer in my study of Christian Science, I have learned that no matter how demanding our care-giving tasks may seem, when we see ourselves as serving God, the Father's gentle chastening purifies and strengthens us. Then, little by little, whatever we need to do becomes an opportunity for spiritual growth rather than a frustrating chore.

We read in the Bible, "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed" (Hebrews).

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