I’m imagining we have gathered at my house for a fall supper of soup, hearty bread and a yummy pumpkin crisp dessert. Now, we’re sitting around the living room and it’s time to share about our Week Two study from Caring without Wearing. Each one of us has cared for someone this week—we each have hurting people in our lives. We have much in common, much to share.As you dive into this week’s study, be prepared to be surprised at how much you do to care for others. I sure was! Take time to soak in the scriptures and consider how these truths are lived out in your life.
I just got home from a week spent in Washington where my husband and I moved my aunt who is losing herself from her Seattle condo to an assisted living apartment in Bellingham. I cleaned, sorted, packed, moved and settled, while my husband oversaw painters, carpenters, and carpet layers so her condo can go on the market this week. The actions of my hands served, but my heart loved as I tried to prepare my aunt for the huge, confusing changes. After the work was done, I gave her a tour of her new apartment, hoping she will eventually adjust to her new life. My heart is so sad for the changes I see in her even as I’m glad I was able to help her move into a safer place.
Help is often given in sad situations. For me, the work is less of a burden than the emotions that go with the situations loved ones, needy ones, are facing. Carol’s goal is to help us learn how to care appropriately while also learning how to go the distance and not burn out.
This week’s lesson has so many wonderful questions, but again, we only have space to share a few answers with each other. May I please stress how important your participation is to our progress in growing in this area? Thank you for taking time to share what God is teaching you. We will learn and be changed, too, through the lessons you are learning.
1. In questions 1-7, Carol had us look at several scriptures. What is one take-away lesson you have from this part of our study?
2. The list on page23 revealed surprising results for me. How did you respond to question #10?
3. Now, please share a story from your life for question #12.
4. Choose either question 13 or 14 to answer.
Carol’s story about the healing power of being there reminded me of something Dr. Brent Lindquist, President of Link Care Center (and my boss) recently shared about people in Haiti. He said so many Haitians have nothing to give and yet they have so much to give to each other. They can attend to each other, give the gift of time/presence, and affirm one another’s life/experiences. Simple, amazing treasures we can give when we think have nothing to give.
6 comments:
Hi!
I'm writing this from India where I'd hoped to be able to keep up with our book club. I'm here for the retreats--which is wonderful--but I forgot to bring my book. Such a bummer. I'm going to have to catch up with our study once I'm home--but I hope you'll keep posting--your comments are vital and important. I sincerely apologize for not being able to comment with you, but I promise to share my thoughts once I'm home. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy our book!
Hi Linda!
We are actually hosting a team of a dozen guys right now. I am one busy mama! I'll have to jump back in to the discussion after they leave.
Well- Pam, since it might be just the two of us, my forgetfulness works well with your busyness! Enjoy the team!
Stephanie--can you hang with us while Pam and I get caught back up? I hope so!
Pam, sorry to "leave you hanging..." as the saying goes. My week got away from me as well! I did get a chance to comment on Week 3, and now to reading Week 4.
Hi! I'm back and ready to share my answers. Here goes...
1. My big, big take away is the need to translate God's command to love one another and care for each other into practical ways to reach out and help one another. Our love is fine in cards and words, but it is when we cross the road, take time from our busy lives to put another's needs above our own, that we truly show our love. Practical and putting others first while asking, how can I help.... Often I feel overwhelmed with my own schedule and don't feel I have much time to give or have no idea of how to help. I can't let myself off the hook that easily. Thoughtful prayer will lead me to ways to love, care, help...
2. Spending time and giving ourselves to one another can change lives. I do almost everything on the list at different times and in different circumstances. It was fun to see that I am finding practical ways to reach out and help. I too love to spend time with people and find the best way to help. That is an amazing privilege. Lara-your history with Timmy has taught you so much. I'm so thankful you are willing to take those lessons and help others.
3. Kevin has consistently just been there for me. We've moved a lot and we're often too far away from family and friends to be able to be there for us in an up close and personal way. Phone calls, emails and skype help, but Kevin's arms around me as he listens to me pour out my heart is a wonderful gift. Almost every day we walk twice a day, early morning and early evening. Knowing I can share my heart with him is so precious to me. Sometimes this is really hard on him--he can't be everything to me. So together we usually end up praying and giving my cares, hurts, concerns to God.
4. I was just at the woth retreats as a volunteer and while there, I saw again that I much prefer to be with people in small group settings, or better yet, one on one. Meeting with people and hearing their heart with undivided attention is such a privilege. And I'm always so grateful when others return this favor to me.
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