How does one prepare for an awful privilege, a terrible honour?
Dear Caregiver, how do you prepare to see your beloved spouse out of this life?
You know it's coming, and all the prayers in the world, the most robust optimism, can't keep that day away forever.
How do you hold onto your faith, which may be cracking under the terrible strain of your own helplessness in the situation, to give faith and strength to someone who is looking to you to be their strong tower?
You did not ask for this; how can you possibly fulfill your anointed role?
Mary understood this, in a different way. In the Magnificat, Luke 1:46-55, she says,
46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54 He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
Mary takes the bull by the horns, so to speak; with "a terrible calm" she accepts her exaltation, and the role she will play in history...and her own effect upon history.
As a caregiver, you're not responsible for history. You're responsible for the care of a single soul.
And there is no 'only a single soul' implied; that is every bit as important as a responsibility for the whole world. (Only is the FMF prompt this week.)
Music is from Train, with Calling All Angels.
I'm really not doing well at all.
And marley has a Facebook page! Please drop by to see how happy he is today.
Below are my recent releases on Kindle -please excuse their presence in the body of the blog. I haven't the energy to get them up as 'buttons' in the sidebar. You can click on the covers to go to the Amazon links.
Music is from Train, with Calling All Angels.
Today's keyword for Advent-Photo-A-Day is prepare.
Previous posts in this series are
December 3 - The Meaning Of Christmas
December 4 - A Caregiving Home
December 5 - Caregiver, Please Wait For Me
December 6 - A Caregiver's Vision
Please pardon my slow response to comments. I'm doing my best, and your comments are really precious to me.
I'm really not doing well at all.
Thanks to Carol Ashby, Blessed Are The Pure Of Heart is back on Kindle, and will be available in paperback in a few days!
Friends are everything. I couldn't have done it.
I have another blog, "Starting The Day With Grace". The focus is a grace quote from someone you might not expect (like, say Mick Jagger) and a short commentary. I hope you'll join me.
Marley update... been moved to a sanctuary, and Bay County will revise their 'dangerous dog' codes.
WE MADE A DIFFERENCE!
And marley has a Facebook page! Please drop by to see how happy he is today.
If you can, please do leave a comment. I am trying to answer all, and I am failing, but please know this - I read and treasure each one.
Below are my recent releases on Kindle -please excuse their presence in the body of the blog. I haven't the energy to get them up as 'buttons' in the sidebar. You can click on the covers to go to the Amazon links.
Andrew, I've always liked Mary's Magnificat, and I love your take on this powerful prayer. I also appreciate the light you shed on this prayer as it relates to caregivers. Mary's perspective was beautiful. She didn't ask to be the mother of Jesus, God's Son. She didn't ask for the censure she likely received from those who'd known her since she was an infant. And yet, she found a way to embrace it and to praise God.
ReplyDeleteI don't pretend to understand how terribly painful it is for the caregivers who know their loved one is soon to leave their lives. I'm praying for Barb as she nears this day. I pray that, one day, she'll be able to see the impact she had on your life, and hence on the lives you've touched through your blog and comments.
And, this sentence: "And there is no 'only a single soul' implied; that is every bit as important as a responsibility for the whole world." Yes. Amen.
Jeanne, please excuse my very late reply!
DeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed this, and you're so right; Mary didn't ask to be picked, and for what she had to endure. Her grace was in her acceptance.
We so very much appreciate your prayers. It's been very hard recently; they are needed.
Mary's Magnificat is one of my fave scriptures. Mary truly is a remarkable woman. Praying for your beautiful wife as she cares for you. On that day, may we all know the incredible gift you are. You are not only a friend but brother in Christ.
ReplyDeleteTara, please pardon my very tardy reply, and I agree; the Magnificat is one of my favourite Scriptures as well.
DeleteWe so appreciate the prayers, and we so value your friendship!
I love the link you make with caregiving and Mary's willingness to accept such a challenging role for which she felt ill-equipped, and her faith to step out into God's call for her. Praying for you and Barbara!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this, Lesley, and please forgive my delay in replying.
DeleteMany, many thanks for your prayers. They are needed.
You are a gift. B is a gift. Bless you both during this holy season as we savor the Savior. xo
ReplyDeleteSusan, you are truly God's gift to us. We are so grateful - and please forgive my very tardy reply.
DeleteXOXOXOWaggyWaggyWOOF!
I always enjoy your writing. Thank you for sharing. Maryann @ comingtolight.org
ReplyDeleteMaryann, please forgive the tardiness of my reply...and thank you so vry much for your kind and grace-filled words!
DeleteWe all have an impact upon HIStory. May we continue to focus on what God calls us to do for Him - whether it is glorious, or humbling, it is all a part of His plan.
ReplyDeleteCarol, yes...it is all part of His plan, and we are honoured to have a place in it.
DeletePlease forgive my very late reply; I thank you so much for your comment!
Thanks for sharing and showing up, Andrew. Praying for you both...
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for being here, Emma...and please excuse the extreme tardiness of my response.
DeleteI would never have thought of your take on your situation compared to Mary's magnificat. interesting parallel Andrew. i'm sure this xmas season is one where the true meaning of xmas is touching you both as well as reminding you that your time here together is running short. praying for you both.
ReplyDeleteMartha, you're so right...the spirit of Christmas is really playing a role here, under the current circumstances.
DeleteWe really appreciate the prayers, and I am so sorry that my reply has been so tardy.
Andrew,
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful. To exalt God in the calling He has for you. To recognize His mercy and graciousness and the priviledge of it. I am praying for you and Barb. May God strengthen you both this week.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteMary, thank you so much for this kind and gracious comment, and for your prayers...especially those.
DeleteAnd please forgive my very late reply.
(The reply I deleted had a LOT of typos, having a bit of trouble with the keyboard.)
Yes. No one can serve - or even breath - without Christ who enables us. It is all grace that we can do what we are asked to do. Keep on shining, Andrew. Thanks for pointing us to Christ. Abundant blessings to both of you. We keep on praying for you both.
ReplyDeleteMari-Anna, yes...it is Christ who enables us, in everything.
DeleteThank you so much for your prayers, and please excuse my very tardy reply. Things have been hard for me.
Thank you, Andrew. I always appreciate your wisdom. Mary is a wonderful example of acceptance and humility.
ReplyDeleteJeannie, yes...mary is an excellent example for us all.
DeletePlease forgive my delayed reply; it's been a very hard week.
My mother in law had a deep connection to the Magnificat. Thank you for the reminder. Praying for you both.
ReplyDeletePaula, I agree with your mother-in-law...the Magnificat is really awesome for me.
DeleteThanks so much for the prayers, and please excuse my long delay in replying.
Well said my friend. You are so much more mindful and attending to what is the matter at hand. Bless you, Andrew!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Leigh, and blessings back!
DeleteAnd please forgive my delay in replying. It's been a really hard week.
A wonderful post again, Andrew. Thank you for looking at the depth of selflessness here.
ReplyDeleteErendira, thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words...and please pardon my long delay in replying
DeleteWonderful and humbling. So thankful that God gives us grace and mercy as travelling companions through this life. Blessings to you! #30 in FMF
ReplyDeleteVicki, I love the way you put this, that grace and mercy are our travelling companions. Perfect!
DeleteBlessings back, and please forgive my very late reply.
The Magnificat is so beautiful. And I love how you describe Mary - "Mary takes the bull by the horns, so to speak; with "a terrible calm" she accepts her exaltation, and the role she will play in history..." I also love the song by Train. Haven't heard this one before. Thanks for sharing! May God be with you and Barb and surround you with his loving arms. Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteGayl, I'm so glad you enjoyed the post and the song! The latter has been in my head for quite a while.
DeleteBlessings back from both of us, and please forgive my very tardy reply.