The Caregiver

Sisters,
I am certain that most of us have had an opportunity to help someone at some time in our lives, whether it was simply to phone call to say hello and that we are thinking of a friend or a great service of helping a loved one move onward to the next phase of  eternal life. Each thing, each gift we give is precious in the site of our Father. We never know how we truly touch someone when we offer what we might consider a simple act. I will never forget a container of soup and a hunk of bread that I found on my door step one night as I returned home for bed after working hard to help my dying mother. That gift not only filled and nourished my tired body but will continue to fill my soul for as long as I exist.

In President Eyring's talk in October 2012, he spoke about what great efforts are expended by Relief Society sisters, in the true spirit of sisterhood. This organization was founded on the beliefs of being a helping hand to any in need, under the prophet Joseph Smith's guidance.

 “We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction, that we may all sit down in heaven together.”¹
There are three parts to that remarkable description of the qualifications to associate in a state of happiness with God. One is to care for each other. Another is to teach each other and be taught. And the third is to sit down together with God.
“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”⁵

But the miracle of one Relief Society sister arriving to help just in time is multiplied through the power of a unified society of sisters. 

With all your differences in personal circumstances and past experiences, I can tell you something of what lies ahead for you. As you keep the faith, you will find yourself invited by the Lord often to serve someone in need when it will not seem convenient. It may appear to be an unpleasant and perhaps even impossible task. When the call comes, it may seem you are not needed or that someone else could easily give the succor."

 

I thought these previous quotes summarize the lesson well. Sister Griffin shared this lesson in a way that gave us pause for thought. I think she was inspired in a simple manner in that she looked up the meaning of words we probably all know but with a bit of additional material, the scriptures and words of council really came to life.

 

 “And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man [or any caregiver] should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.”⁷

 

^{WE must remember that we can only run so fast and that we must care for the caregiver, depending on our sisters to help us if need be.}

 

^{Here is where I need some assistance as I am still in training and can't seem to find out what an errant finger hit. So much for perfection. I will call for assistance. Wish me luck. We can all recognize that we can be greater as a group with the Savior  in the center of our circle. If we call upon our Savior in our time of need ( when we are helping others) He will send the Holy Ghost to strengthen us.}

 

^{Signing out in small type that refuses to get bigger no matter what I have done.}

^{Your blogger in training.}

^Janice