So often, I question, Why am I going through this? As a Christian, I'm not supposed to feel this way! She's still alive, so God must have a purpose for her. There is incredible guilt that goes along with those questions and feelings. I search some Christian care giving sites and found this little nugget to be encouraging. Thought I would pass it along. Basic info, but powerful if you just take a moment to meditate on it.
The Spiritual Aspects of Caregiving
Trust me! This may be painful but its for the best! God tells us that [w]hen you pass through the fire, you will not be burned. He wants us to remember that though fire burns, it also purifies. The Refiner wants believers to look at the positive aspects that caregiving offers:
A closer relationship with God
Trust in God
A sense that others are watching your faith in action
A more mature faith, purified by testing
The ability to face and handle negative emotions
Healing of previous hurts, especially involving family fallouts
we are on this earth is to do good works, in testing we grow to understand.
I think God loves me, but I also understand that I am just one of seven billion ants, certain to meet my end, not "special" except to a few people. Why should I be spared suffering? Not that I don't complain and moan and groan, but I accept my difficulties from a philosophical standpoint.
I was born and have to live here until I die. It makes sense to try to be happy. Loving people and doing useful work and finding beauty everywhere and laughing at almost everything seems like the best way to be happy. Who knows what will happen after I die?
In both instances there was man-induced suffering, but the suffering was made more bearable by the caregiver. And in both instances there was redemption.
Now, I am not a religious person, but if I were perhaps I would say that caregiving is a road to redemption for all involved. How we provide the care is not as important as finding love in it. If God is love, it makes sense to me.
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
- Hamlet (1.5.166-7), Hamlet to Horatio
I consider myself to be a "religious" person but, frankly, I've found some of the posts that could be classified as "religious" to be inappropriate and of no value...to me. Others may have found considerable value in the same posts.
to get out of bed and start another day
whether we are caregiving or not.
What ever you personally want to call it,
we are all individuals here,
and DIVERSITY is key in solving problems
and finding comfort.
And since we are all individuals and our situations are unique to us,
that we rise and gain confidence in sharing our stories,
and RESPECT PEOPLE who have DIFFERENCES as just that differences,
but one day you may be surprised that a person with a differing opinion, will be the one, who can either change your opinion (path) or allow you to become more confident in the path have chosen.