Like you, I’m a caregiver.

My 92-year-old mother is in fair health, yet her macular degeneration has robbed her of most of her vision. She relies on me to provide dinner every day, pay her bills, pick up prescriptions, and take her to endless doctor appointments.

My struggle is seeing my mother as more than an inconvenience, more than another task I have to accomplish. I get tired of providing one more meal, taking her on one more errand, paying one more bill.

Sometimes I just want it to stop.

Have you felt that way? I would like to give you a sweet, pat answer, but I can’t. I could give you some suggestions of positive things to do:

• Make a list of all the things your parent used to do for you
• Fill a gratitude jar with slips of paper, on which you’ve written things you’re grateful for
• Think about the good feeling you get when your mother or father thanks you

Is it working? Probably not.

Caregiving can often seem like a relentless burden. However, here are some nuggets I’ve discovered along my journey.

I chose to care for my mother. I wasn’t forced into this role, and I didn’t slide into it by accident. Therefore, I am not a victim.

Surprise! The world doesn’t revolve around me.

I have room in my heart to care. I often joke that I have a raisin-sized heart. I’ve discovered that even a raisin will plump up if it’s soaked in liquid. As I allow the living water of the Holy Spirit to infuse my heart, it expands to allow me to show grace to my aging loved one.

Where are you in your caregiving season?

Copyright: sifotography / 123RF Stock Photo