CaregiverShembull

  

DISTRACTIONS 

When a person has a significant amount of responsibility, it can be very hard to not focus in on what others won’t do, don’t do, and should do. 

Serving as a caregiver is not a job suitable for a selfish person. Caregivers are required daily to purposefully put a priority on the needs of others, all whilst dealing with their own internal and external challenges, desires, and individual struggles. Life can be overwhelming at times, but for the Caregiver who is administering care for a family member, friend, or loved one remain encouraged. 

It can be hard witnessing how able-bodied family members elect to dismiss one’s needs while they watch a caregiver make daily sacrifices. Aim to not get distracted, because distractions come in all shapes, sizes, and situations. The enemy seeks to get your eyes off of the target which is serving as a God-honoring caregiver to the one in need, and engage in battles of distractions that will distract your purpose. 

The targeted aim is to provide God-honoring care to those God has placed in your life. Distractions could be displayed in the form of someone criticizing you, complaining about something, or deflecting about the real issues one currently is facing. Distractions appear during the most pivotal points of life. Aim to not take your eyes off of the right target.  

Constant communication with God in prayer, praise, and His word are significant guides in discerning between a distraction or a God-honoring focus. Losing focus whilst administering care has consequences, but staying focused in the midst of distractions produces fruitful results.  

In scripture, The Shunamite woman served as a caregiver for her son when he took ill. After assessing the situation she laid her son on the bed, shut the door and focused on getting to the man of God who declared the promise of blessing over her. Although her son was in desperate need, she remained  focused and pursued God’s messenger, not allowing any distractions to stop her.

 The Shunamite woman was faced with distractions by family members who questioned her, but even in the midst the obstacles she didn’t allow distractions to impede her focus on being a committed caregiver to her son who had a special need.  

Caregivers, be encouraged. And don’t allow distractions to derail you off course. Continue to pursue God as you care for those in need.