Life can be lived in sharp highs and flat lows. If not careful, frustration can set in, that causes us to react, and not in the correct manner. This is particularly true if you are a caregiver.

I admit I like to put things together and fix things. My mother knows that too, and whenever she needs something looked at, I’m her girl. This week I have been her tv repairman.  Every day this week I have moved the tele, trying to get a better picture reception. I have been called at 5:15am as I am getting ready for work, and (though sad to say) this week I have been happy to go to work, thinking I can put my attention to something other than a tv. Nevertheless, calls have been received that the tv doesn’t work, and after work I to her home doing my service call and attempt to fix it. When I get there the stations are off because she has changed it when I told her not to, but she does it anyway, and on and on it goes. One thing is for sure: a caregiver has to live in the key of patience. Here’s why:

Between the two of you, someone has to exhibit patience to keep confusion down to a minimum, and as much as possible keep a harmonic equilibrium of providing for your loved one while at the same time keeping a level of sanity within yourself.

Patience involves the attribute of long-suffering as Paul describes in Ephesians 4, as he:

 “beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering,                                      forbearing one another in love;  Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit,  even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;”

What is your calling? Caring for your loved one, but in a way that hopefully exhibits Christlikeness. And so while I continue to be the tv repairman, I will endeavor to stay in the right key of patience, not going flat with frustration but not being impatiently sharp either,  while showing my mother what God looks like in my action of taking care of her and her tvs.

Whatever you have to do in caring for your loved one, I hope you purpose in your heart to do the same…