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Scott Cannon

The BUSY Caregiver’s Journey

Morning after morning the alarm sounds and I reluctantly rise knowing I have limited time for myself before the care giving day begins. I rush to brush my teeth, get downstairs to put my hair in a ponytail, and place my yoga mat in front of the window. Being able to view the trees blowing in the wind while various birds land within the branches along with the squirrels scurrying to collect pecans adds to my brief moment of serenity.


Now far off is my timer reminding me the moment is limited. The busy schedule of the day and week to come immediately invades my moment of calm. I must rush to shower, dress, and prep for Mom’s day to begin as smoothly as possible. I pass by at least 3 calendars in the house as I help Mom filled with reminders of appointments to come which bring about more stress.


The daily task list seems to keep growing instead of shrinking with less and less moments of peace in between. This is why it is so important to make time for ourselves. We should be a guilt-free task on our own list. Self-care and self-love should never come with guilt.

On the first evening of teaching this semester one of my students so eloquently phrased the daily chaos I described. Our introductory discussion touched on what’s to come this semester in going Deeper with God. Part of this is to learn who you are and why you are. This gives us a glimpse into our journey beyond care giving, for our loved ones and ourselves. How? Because we learn our inner parts and what drives us.


Part of my care giving day is driven by being busy and keeping the day flowing in a lighthearted manner. Some of the busy work comes from a place of ego. The moments we share with our loved ones are precious yet scary. Watching them decline and losing who they once were on a daily basis can make us feel out of control. Our ego steps in to regain as much control as possible. When my student mentioned busy was not only an action or state of being, but also an acronym it made me pause to reevaluate my own To Do list.


If you find yourself getting sucked into the busy daily tasks care giving demands, then please put yourself on your To Do list and ponder this:


Why am I so busy? Who demands my attention? How can I adapt more smoothly?


Well, the answer is simple, yet deep. Stop being so B.U.S. Y.


Stop allowing yourself to be Buried Under Satan’s Yolk.


Matthew 11:28-30 NIV “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

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