And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Matthew 5:41 (NKJV)
His bedroom door was left ajar, so I could help my father right away if he needed anything. “Good morning, Pa! What would you like to have for breakfast?” While moving slowly toward the dining table, he said, “I’d like some tea.”
As I prepared his tea, I made a mental list of the things I needed to do. Wash the dishes. Clean the house. Check if there’s a message from Mother, who was on vacation overseas with my siblings.
Before he took his noon nap, Pa requested pizza. I quickly took a bath but skipped my usual routine. Ordering the pizza was the priority. I didn’t want him to wake up hungry and have to wait for his lunch.
Later that day, when I finally had time for myself, I found an online article by a daughter who was caring for her aging parents. She said, “Daughtering for a parent with chronic illness or an aging parent is selfless because there’s no glory and no recognition.” I agree. But Jesus was and still is the model caregiver. He exemplified selflessness. He often ministered to people without fanfare (Mark 1:40–44). Even when He Himself needed rest, He healed the sick (Matthew 14:13–14). He did not seek glory or recognition for Himself but was and is concerned about our welfare. In every situation, Jesus gives us the best care we could ever receive.
Faith Step: Ask a caregiver how you can help. If you’re a caregiver, don’t hesitate to ask for help or prayer.
