I have returned to the Mississippi Delta. My dad’s dementia has progressed and he is now bedridden. Mom is aging gracefully, yet she can no longer provide dad with the same level of care as before. I have been called to serve.
“Caregiving is a distinct call from God. It is not something we randomly fall into. Unfortunately, it may seem like this responsibility is foisted upon us, but that is not true. We often think of God‘s calling as something that comes to us through a great, supernatural experience, but often the call comes to us by the circumstances he puts in our path. If the opportunity for caregiving is presented, and you seem to be the logical person to serve, it is often reasonable to conclude it is God‘s calling for you. Once we see caregiving as a calling, it is easier to accept it as our priority and not feel guilty about ignoring other pursuits” (John Dunlop, Finding Grace in the Face of Dementia).
As I count it a privilege and honor to serve, I can’t help but look back over the pictures and memories and see how blessed and loved beyond measure I really am. The man who held my hand and guided me around as a child, I now hold his hand as he looks to me. I am proud to serve. I never realized how much my hands resembles his. In this subtle moment I am reminded that life really isn’t about me but about God and He has a purpose in all things and that includes vascular dementia.
He is our creator, and we are daily sustained by Him, and its (dementia) ultimate purpose will be fulfilled in His being glorified.
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen (Romans 11:36)
vasculardementia #caregiving #godscalling #calledtoserve
Pure & Lovely Gifts 