Meditation by Pastor Aaron (from June 10th Caregiver Support Meeting)

“The Way Back from Wits’ End”

A meditation by Rev. Aaron Fulp-Eickstaedt

June 10^th, 2021

 

The work of caregiving,

Especially for a demanding care receiver,

Occasionally lands us in a place called

Our wits’ end.

When we can’t seem to keep our wit or our wits about us.

There are weeks when it feels like that’s where we live.

At wit’s end,

Our sense of humor disappears.

At wits’ end,

All perspective goes out the window.

At wits’ end,

It’s always one damned thing after another.

At wits’ end, we may try to take one day at a time,

But several days attack us at once.

Those of us who know what it’s like to be at wits’ end

And to make the trip back

Have wisdom to pass on to others.

 

How does one come back from wits’ end?

Sometimes it’s just matter of fact and nose to the grindstone

Because the work won’t do itself and it falls on us.

Sometimes it’s looking for the laughter even in the darkest times.

Sometimes it’s asking for and getting even the briefest bit to respite,

Even a short time away

Sometimes it’s being with people who know the struggles of caregiving, too.

Sometimes it’s imagining what it’s like to be in the care receiver’s body

And remembering that they are dealing with their own grief and frustration.

Sometimes it is saying it flat out.

This isn’t fair and having someone listen and say, You’re right.

And as often as not, it’s turning again to God in prayer

Asking for strength and patience to endure this day’s challenges.

 

Platitudes and easy answers aren’t the way back from wit’s end.

Love is.

The love of God and the love of a community,

The love that rolls up its sleeves and the love that asks for help.

The love that feels enough to cry and to laugh.

The love that gives us space to complain

And the love that allows us to have compassion for our own and other’s limitations.

It’s love that we pray for, and in the end, it’s love that leads us home.