Ready or Not

Many conversations arise as we care for others. Sometimes the topics are ones we’re not ready to hear.

Perhaps we’re caring for someone in the latter stages of life. How do we handle it when she says she’s ready to die? Do we pretend we didn’t hear what she said or try to talk her out of thinking that way?

It isn’t easy to be at the bedside of a loved one and hear him talk about dying. But being able to express those feelings is part of the process. We need to be ready listeners, though that’s often easier said than done.

When Jesus talked of His upcoming death, His friends didn’t want to listen. They even tried to tell Him it wouldn’t happen that way.

Honestly, are our reactions any different? Yet, as caregivers, we can’t run away from this conversation. Let’s ask God to strengthen us so we’ll listen, even when the words are painful to hear. Then let’s continue doing what we have been—holding our loved ones’ hands, praying with them, and loving them.