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now what

graphic: Martha G. Brady

Click this link for the other days in the 31 DAYS OF CARE TAKING: ONE DAY AT A TIME.

For 31 Days, I’ve been writing about many aspects of being a caretaker. I wasn’t sure I would be able to do it. Some days were better than others, but it was a good month overall. I learned a lot! I hope you benefitted as well. I realized I have learned a lot through this process of both writing on this topic and living it for 2 years +.

I have not only learned about caretaking, but I have learned more about living the Christian life! Share on X

I have not only learned about caretaking, but I have learned more about living the Christian life! I think that always happens when we go through hard times. Our faith is deepened and our head knowledge becomes more down-to-earth and deeper in our hearts.

It didn’t hurt that the Bible study we are doing this Fall in our women’s group at church is extremely practical and met me where I was. It is helping me immensely. It also helps that I am with other women who are in this same situation…or have been recently.

Support groups specific to your needs

One thing I forgot to talk much about earlier is support groups. They are a great idea if you can find one that addresses your needs in your town. Whether it is an Alzheimers/dementia support group, a Cancer support group (often they have them for specific cancers), brain injury support groups (frequently offered at rehab hospitals) and so on. You just need to hunt them down online and it is wise to call ahead as well because not all websites keep their information updated. You may have a group of you at your church that you need to connect with online or by phone to encourage each other as each of you are probably in various stages of the process.

You need to answer the question: Now what? Where do you go from here? What do you do next? It is unlikely that you can make much of a change in your circumstances. You may be able to manage some aspects of your time and for certain, your attitudes.

The major 3 areas that need to be dealt with are these: take note of the foods we eat, that they are healthy and within the parameters of our diet. We need to take part in exercise to manage stress, to burn off calories, and to keep our circulation moving. Finally, we need to get enough sleep at night.

These are not meant to be added to a long list of to-dos. They are goals we need to move toward. In our choices through the day, we need to choose the healthier choices as opposed to the unhealthier choices. As we begin doing that, we will find we are feeling better and moving in the direction of healthier rather than in the direction of less healthy and more miserable.

Now is the time to move forward. I don’t have a long list of changes for you to make. As you have read here, you may have seen some areas where you need to do some work. Just peck away at those areas a little at a time. You have enough to do and to think about! GOD will show you what is important to do and what to ignore.

The most important thing for you to remember is the gospel! Share on X

The most important thing for you to remember is the gospel! The two parts of it that will encourage you if you are in Christ are these:

  1. My righteousness is secure in Christ. There is nothing I can do to add to it or improve on what Christ already has done for me. cf. Galatians 2:21, Isaiah 64:6
  2. I am His child, not an orphan who has to find a way to provide for myself. He has provided all I need to live a fulfilled life that will glorify Him. cf. II Peter 1:3-4, Romans 8:32

Be encouraged. GOD is working in you. He is changing you in ways you don’t even see.

I am His child. He has provided all I need to live a fulfilled life that will glorify Him. Share on X

Stay in contact with GOD through His Word and in prayer on a daily basis. As you are able, through worship in your local church weekly. These are means of grace to build you up, encourage you and give you hope. It is not accidental that worship is described this way. It is very easy to find other things to do on a Sunday morning. Life is busy. But we need to do the important things, don’t we?

Blessings as you move along in the path of Caretaking. As you take what comes…one day at a time. GOD will provide what you need each step of the way. We don’t know what the next turn in the road holds. That is often good. But we know we have our Shepherd who is with us to guide and support us all the way.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
     He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name’s sake.

 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Psalm 23