Care for the Caregivers

As you know, for many reasons it's been a very interesting season to do the work that we do. Where once people were in need, now the sense of urgency has increased tremendously. If we're not mindful we can find ourselves feeling their anxiety in what feels like a state of constant anticipation...it can lead to feeling weary, burdened deeply for so many reasons including justice, emotional exhaustion and overall fatigue. I've been learning from the ancient wise king Solomon and saddened to see, in such wisdom a disheartening with him. If we're not mindful we can offer the skills we've been entrusted and steward without a key ingredient: hope in expecting God's best.

Before long, we're operating out of a battered vessel. We grieve alongside our companions (this is healthy and natural) and question, similar to the writer of Ecclesiastes, what's the point in all of this...it's a vapor of smoke, we're chasing this wind and it will never truly satisfy. In this place we question systems, control, our purpose and calling. Is this what I want to do with my life? Hope: Expect God's best.

Here are a few things that have helped carry me through this season:

For Everything there is a Season

Some seasons, I'm realizing, we're wondering why we're doing this work of stepping into people's pain at what can sometimes feel like, at our own expense. Believe that this is a season and through the tapestry of time, God makes all things beautiful in it's time. Live for the dot and not the line. Tell yourself the truth about this moment. Look back to the LORD's faithfulness during difficulty, see the vivid history of God's goodness to His people. He sees, hears and deeply understands our longings for reform, and I promise, it's coming.

Count the Cost, Stop Chasing and Trust

When we're feeling defeated what's at cost is missing what's most important and right in front of us. Our walk with the LORD, our family and the ministry with which He has called us to do are important things. Brothers and sisters, in chasing the wind we can become efficient, exemplary even, at the cost of losing intimacy with those we love most. Love your family well during this time. The battle belongs to the LORD and He is faithful to complete the work He has begun. Trust that He will carry you during this time.

Receive

Jesus calls us to come. Even Zacchaeus climbed the tree! We have a call to come, receive, be changed and share the good news with others. Grace, faith, and salvation are each a gift. When we prioritize non-essentials we're simply chasing the wind. Receive from the LORD, don't just seek to be a giver, receive. Jesus Himself, the greatest giver of all sat and allowed Mary to wash his feet with her tears and her hair. He received her praise at that moment. We are not alone. We are given the Helper, the Holy Spirit, to teach us all things and bring to remembrance the truth we need. Jesus gives freely, stating, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ Every single day God is faithful to bring you your daily bread of shalom peace. Don't miss it. Today, you are to receive.

Hold Fast to Truth

Lastly, I can tell you from personal experience that without the hope of Jesus and the restoration of all things made right and new there is no hope. Hold fast to the truth set before you, God is faithful, and He will redeem all of this. When you see pain, injustice and find yourself physiologically moved by this - remember the compassion and fierce justice of the LORD. Release the offenders into His care and leave them with the LORD. When Heaven meets earth there will be no more tears, pain, sun, night...all will be brought into the light of Jesus and made new.

I hope this encourages you. Enjoy the day and as you expect God's best be on the lookout for your daily bread today. Receive and enjoy and look ahead with hope.

Josh Neuer is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Greenville, SC. Josh helps individuals, families, businesses and communities receive hope and healing that literally changes the world! Josh is passionate about empowering meaningful change in people including growing communities and team cultures. He is the founder of Joshua Neuer, LLC Counseling, a committed husband and father, and is absolutely crazy about relationships!

Josh Neuer, LPCAugust 27, 2021