Daily Devotion - Wednesday, June 9

Those Who Care, Day 3

“I believe in people who care.
What these empathetic people do requires real courage,
For they do not know how they will be received,
Or if they will be understood.
What they give requires great perseverance,
For healing is a time-consuming process,
And staying with others in their pain
Is an energy-draining experience.”
--James Miller

We continue to focus on Jim Miller’s, “An Affirmation of Those Who Care”.

Courage is present each time we enter the room, the space of another. Courage because we choose to be available without knowing the exact need. Courage because our presence could feel like an invasion of privacy. Courage because we may need to say the difficult word. Courage because we may need to perform a pain producing task. Courage because…………. The list of ways caregivers demonstrate courage is a long list.

The gift of perseverance – “We will until” is a possible motto for those working in caregiving institutions. I am reminded of a Biblical story about some men who wanted a friend to experience the healing touch of Jesus. The men, in effect, are saying: “OK, if they won’t let us in the door, we will carry him onto the roof, we’ll cut a hole in the roof, we’ll tie some rope on the handles and we’ll lower him down through the opening.” They were willing to be drained of their energy because the need of their friend was great.

Blessings to all as we continue the courageous work of caregiving.

--Ben Keckler
06.09.10