The Practice of Caregiving!
“I believe in people who care.
Even more, I believe in what these generous people offer others.
They bring caregiving down to its essentials:
They offer not abstract ideas, but personal attention;
Not definitive answers, but reasonable assurance;
not empty platitudes, but authentic hope.”--James Miller
This week (Monday-Thursday) our devotions will focus on a piece, “An Affirmation of Those Who Care” by Jim Miller, a personal friend who has devoted much of his ministry to writing and producing materials for bereavement. Over the course of Jim’s life, he has come in touch with thousands of caregivers. His words offer meaningful insights about the work of caregiving.
Caregiving is all about offering hope—hope springing forth from loving hearts. Recently, while visiting with a patient who happens to be a caregiver in another institution, these words were shared with me: “In the entire time I’ve been here I haven’t experienced one bad shift. Hear me now, not one bad shift.”
The patient went on to share a number of hope-filled statements, attributing the healing process primarily to personal faith and to the care received. As we begin another week of caregiving, may we be empowered as authentic caregivers.
A prayer: God, working in and through me, continually grace my life and help me share authentic hope with others. Amen.
Ben Keckler
06.02.08
Editor’s note: Mr. Keckler serves as a hospital Director of Chaplaincy in the greater Indianapolis area.
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