True Care

I often struggle with being vulnerable, hiding my fears and uncertainties from my public life and keeping them in private.  But I am learning through my students and through the book "Adam" by Henri Nouwen, that until we are willing to let others see those feelings and truly care for us, we are missing out on the life Jesus intended for us to live.
 My students require the attention of others.  They rely in others to meet their basic needs whether that be getting their diapers changed, being fed, moving from their wheel chairs to another position, taking or putting on their coats, and for some of them they may even need others to "breathe" for them.  They rely on the CARE of others for survival.
      They can hide very little from those who care for them.  They lay it all out there.  When they are happy, I know.  When they are sad or grumpy or sick, I know.  They do not hide these things. They are not afraid to show who they truly are. For they know nothing else.  They pretty much live with the attitude "Here I am, Love me".
     But they do not simply require care, they dish it out.  In their own ways, I know that they deeply care about and love others.  Whether it is a smile, a life, a high five, or a hug, they show their care.  The simplicity of their lives and thoughts are something to be envied.
     In the book "Adam", Nouwen says "True care is mutual care".  Simply, if we truly are to care about others, we have to let them care about us.  If we expect them to lay out their burdens, struggles, and lives, we must be willing to do that also.  Care is not a one way street, we need to give it and receive it.
    I often think about the time when some friends carried their friend on a mat to Jesus.  They went up on a roof, dug a hole and lowered him in front of Jesus so that their friend could be healed.  They loved and cared about their friend.  But I am positive that that care and love was shared by their paralyzed friend.
    For me it is a lot easier to go and do crazy things for my friends than it is to let them do those things for me.  For my students I can change diapers, put coats on, wipe a nose, suction out their trachs and their mouths, but I am uncomfortable to accept care in return.  But I must let them.  For care is mutual and we must let ourselves be cared for.  To give is simply not enough, we need to accept care as well.
    So friends, step out of your comfort zone, and truly participate in care.  Give and receive.  Find someone who has outward struggles or disabilities, and see how they both accept and give care.

Be comfortable being uncomfortable.
Love y'all
Opher