Article June 16, 2008 Issue

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

'WHAT PRAYERFUL SUPPORT COULD YOU OFFER SOMEONE WHO IS IN A CAREGIVING ROLE?' QUESTION OF THE WEEK FROM SPIRITUALITY.COM | MAY 1, 2008

with contributions from Magda, Paulette, Ann, Mimi, Nergish

ONE OF THE JOYS OF LIFE ON THE WEB is the opportunity to explore new ideas. The Question of the Week on spirituality.com is your spot for sharing your thoughts and inspiration about God and your relation to Him/Her.

Each Thursday afternoon you'll find selected responses from site visitors for the last question, along with a new question on a spiritual subject for you to consider and answer.

I have been in a major caregiving role for a family member for about three years, and I come from a family and culture that believe family ought to take care of its own. This can be extremely demanding and stressful for those involved in giving primary care. What I have found comforting is my prayerful understanding that God is ultimately responsible for everyone's welfare and well-being. When I've allowed this idea to permeate my consciousness, I've found answers to questions quickly and effortlessly, resolutions to conflict, solutions found in very creative ways, and stress greatly reduced, thus adding to a more harmonious relationship with this family member and others involved. It is about surrendering all to God, cultivating greater trust in Him. The last two lines of Hymn No. 124 read: "I drop my burden at His feet, / And bear a song away." Also: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Prov. 3:5, 6). If at any time I felt resistance to this, I would continue to pray until I found my peace, and shortly afterward resolutions appeared to stalemated problems.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

LOVE CARRIES THE CARETAKER, TOO