Don’t you want to get it right? Whatever “it” is for you – marriage, raising kids, job, friendships. Everyone who cares wants to get it right.
Most parents, most caregivers, have an internal drive to get it right. We do not want to mess things up more than they have already been messed up. You and the people in your life have been through enough. So how do we get it right?
Most importantly, realize the perfect caregiver is one who is NOT perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone messes up. Everyone has those things they wish they could take back.
One benefit of mess ups is so we can learn forgiveness and grace. We can never learn forgiveness and grace if we never have the opportunities to give and receive forgiveness and grace.
The people in your life will mess up. They will say and do things they should not say and do. And they will need the same love, patience, grace, and forgiveness that you need. They will need gentleness.
The Bible reminds us “to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” Titus 3:2
No one likes it when people speak evil of them. No one likes it when people are harsh and argumentative. We like kindness, gentleness, and courtesy. Why not extend those things to the imperfect people in your life?
What if you are not good at it? The best way to become better at gentleness is to practice it. Before you say anything out loud, practice what you will say with love, gentleness, and patience. Practice saying it in a way that you would like to hear it.
How To Be A Perfect Caregiver
Be imperfect. And allow the people in your life to be imperfect. The more you receive grace, the more you will be able to give grace.
The Bible says, “God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
You can only love to the extent that you have been loved. When we accept that God loves us just as we are, when we receive all the love He has for us, then we will pass that love on to others.
God loves you. God loves you so much He sent His Son to die for you. The more you receive that love, the more you will be able to love others.
It’s ok that you are imperfect. And it’s ok that the people in your life are imperfect. You are loved and you are moving towards being the person God wants you to be.
You have what it takes. God is with you. And we are here for you.
Comments