By Hope Weninger
Accounting & HR Manager, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
Chances are you are a caregiver. Maybe you are a mom or dad raising your children; a daughter or son aiding your aging parents; or caring for others in your chosen profession or vocation.
Just as you are told in the preflight check, put your own oxygen mask on before assisting others. Conceptually, most of us know that, in order to effectively help others, we must take care of ourselves first. But do we?
In Galatians 6:2 we are called to “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Paul instructed the Galatian Christians to help each other through life’s struggles.
Have people asked you if they can lend a hand and you said, “No thanks, I’m doing well”? Lean on your support system. Let them help you. Think about what would help relieve some of your stress, and let them assist with that. Be prepared with a list that someone else can assist with and give them options of ways that they can help.
This may sound counterintuitive, but take some time for yourself. Take some time to de-stress and reset. A few activities that may help include taking a walk, going for coffee with friends, schedule a massage or a mani/pedi, meditating, and even taking time to clean your own house. Whatever makes you feel better about yourself and calms you, do it.
If you were not there to spend time with the person you are caring for, who would be? Please take care of your physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing, so that you can help others with theirs. If someone depends on you to be there for them, you have to be there for yourself first.
Personally, I am the Chief Operating Officer at my house, with four kids still at home. I recently twisted my knee, tearing my ACL. So I have gone from caregiver to caregivee. I do feel the strain this is putting on my husband and kids. They have really stepped up for me and our family. The kids have taken on more chores (I am somewhat surprised by their lack of knowledge about where certain things go). Through this, God is showing me that I do not have to do it all, I do have people to lean on. I also have an amazing tribe of people who are taxiing kids to and from activities and bringing meals by. I am learning to say, “Yes, thank you,” when asked if I need anything. God has a plan.
Galatians 5:13 encourages Christians that we should serve one another humbly in love.
Keep in mind that this goes both ways. You serve others with the dignity and respect that is afforded to them as children of God, and let others serve you when needed.
