'Sometimes my life feels like
a tug-of-war, Lord. And I'm the rope.'
Week of January 3, 2022
Prayer Requests
Dear Friends,
The "sandwich generation" could also rightly be called the "tug-of-war generation."
This is the beginning from our flier on that topic:
There’s pressure from both sides and sometimes it gets messy in the middle. That’s what it can feel like if you’re taking care of not only your children but your aging parent as well.
Add in a spouse and a job and it’s no wonder it often seems a 24-hour day and seven-day week just aren’t enough for all you have to do.
Then, too, from the time all of us were little we were taught there is a right way and a wrong way to accomplish a task. To meet—and overcome— a challenge. Maybe your parent took care of Grandma or Grandpa. Your spouse took care of your mother- or father-in-law. Your friends or co-workers seem to be able to handle their situations. But you ...
When you realize, when it becomes so painfully obvious, you can’t do all the things you’re supposed to do—all the things other people have done or are doing—you feel so inadequate. So guilty.
You think you’re letting everyone down. If you just worked a little harder. Slept a little less. Sacrificed a little more. Then somehow ...
You can read more here.
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This week marks the ninth anniversary of the death of Monica Dodds, my dear wife and fellow co-founder of the Friends of St. John the Caregiver. She was the author of the "tug-of-war prayer." That and other prayers she wrote are in "The Little Book of Caregiver Prayers." Here's how to request a free copy.
You remain in her prayers, and in mine.
Bill
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This week we're so pleased to welcome Dedrick M.S. of South Carolina as the newest member of the Friends of St. John the Caregiver. Please keep him and his intentions in your prayers. He has promised to pray for you and yours.
Again this week we cordially invite you to join the Friends of St. John the Caregiver! (FSJC's programs include YourAgingParent.com and CatholicCaregivers.com.) You can find out more about becoming a member here.
No meetings, no dues. All we ask is that you pray for caregivers and those receiving care. Our members include caregivers, care-receivers, and those who support both (including quite a few former caregivers).
You can:
sign up online here
or call us toll-free at 1-800-392-JOHN (5646)
or
print and mail an application form.