02-19-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
​February 19, 2023
Today, I want to offer a prayerful shout-out to those who are caregivers. There are so many different caregivers; among them are parents caring for children, children caring for parents, spouses living into the words "In sickness and in health," and others choosing to walk alongside those in need, even when there is no legal obligation or relationship. This is Christ-like living. It is hard, emotionally and physically draining, lonely, filled with the heaviness of grief, and with moments of helplessness. There is no perfect caregiver, yet by showing up with compassion and love, God sanctifies the work being done. I think about the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, specifically two of the Beatitudes from the translation called the Message: "You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope" and "You’re blessed when you care." In the moment, it may not always feel like you are blessed, but caregiving is one of the great ways we honor the commandment Jesus gave to his disciples: "Love one another as I have loved you."

We give thanks, O God, for the many caregivers who are revealing the beauty and power of self-giving love. It's exhausting, so we pray for spiritual strength while also allowing ourselves to be those who can provide some respite to the caregivers. Amen.