Young Adults' Group

Taking On The Role Of A Caregiver

by Pastor Mark
February 25, 2021

The challenge of being a caregiver
As our parents and grandparents age and falter in health, we find ourselves taking on the new role of being a caregiver. Over the last few months, I have discovered what it means to be a caregiver to my mom. Many along the way have asked how it has been for me to adjust to this new role.

Initially, it took some time to adapt to a new normal of looking out for my mom’s needs every day since my dad’s passing. It was not easy trying to balance caring for my mom with all my other responsibilities. I also read an article in the newspaper about the struggles of being a caregiver. Many are facing caregiver fatigue. But Pastor Mitch and I did not take long to make the necessary adjustments. We thank God for the way that He has kept us all these months.

My motivation
What has been my motivation in sustaining my care for my mom?

1. Being a son
One motivation is my understanding as a son. I am my mother’s son. As a son, there is an innate desire in wanting to care for my mom. When the time arose, I felt a sense of responsibility and duty in caring for her. It was my dad who had been taking care of my mom every day over the years. It was now my turn to step up. As a son, I seek to do my part in caring for her and to be there for her. As sons and daughters, let us be challenged to fulfil our role and responsibility to be caregivers of the elderly in our family.

2. Strength of love
a. Naturally
Another motivation is my love for my mom, which has been cultivated over the years. It is a love that has been made strong naturally. I love my mom very much. It is most natural for me to do all that is necessary for her.

b. Divine
Yet, human love can go so far and no more. The Lord’s divine love is so much more. The Lord has shown His mercy and has been faithful to my mom and me, especially these last few months. I am genuinely moved by the lovingkindness of the Lord undergirding His mercy and faithfulness (Ps 36:5–7). His lovingkindness is now so much more precious to me.

3. Sacrifice
Another motivation is my mom’s sacrificial love for my brothers and me. Over the years, my mom has made many sacrifices for us. She worked hard to make a living to support us. I remember the time when I was planning to go overseas for my studies. Then, my mom had just received her CPF funds. She decided to use a large portion of it to fund my studies in Perth. I never forgot what she had done for me. The little sacrifice that I am doing now for my mom is nothing…compared to what she has done for my family.

4. Support
I thank God for the tremendous support that my family has received from Bethany and others. Through all who have prayed for, cared for and visited my mom, the support has been most encouraging. I am encouraged to move forward. Becoming a caregiver is never easy. But let us find different ways to stay motivated and to sustain our care for our loved ones.

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