Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Reflection - Journeying with yourself - Doing what only you can do

Source (book): "He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God", PART II "JOURNEYING WITH YOURSELF", Chapter 18 "Doing what only you can do", Page 50.
Adapted from books by Shelly Beach: Ambushed By Grace: Help and Hope in the Caregiving Journey, and It Is Well with My Soul.


That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. - Exodus 18:22
PHOTO: That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. - Exodus 18:22

In advising Moses on how to avoid a burnout, Jethro did two things. First, he laid out Moses' main role, which was to be the people's representative before God and teach them His statutes (Exodus 18:19-20). This was a role that only Moses could fill.

"That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you," he pointed out. "If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied" (Exodus 18:22-23).

By discerning between the roles that only he, Moses, could play, and those that others could take over, Moses could avoid over-burdening himself without compromising his service to the people.

How can we do the same thing today? Earlier, you listed down the roles that you currently play. Now, take a good look at your list and start marking out those roles that you alone can fill.

(You can mark your list on Pages 48 and 49, or write down the roles in the next two pages.)

For example, no one but you can be God's daughter, your parent's son, your husband's wife, or your son's father. You'll find that most of these roles, if not all, involve your relationships with God and your family.

Think hard before marking each role: you might find that some are not "unique" to you. While you may be good at them and people rely heavily on you, it doesn't mean you're the only person who can fulfil them. Ask yourself:
  • Who can take my place if I'm not available?
  • Would the role be left vacant forever, or would someone eventually take over?

The roles you've marked are your top priorities: they are roles God created you to fill, for which He divinely placed you in these people's lives. As for the other roles, you can pass them on to someone else, or ask others to help you.

Learning to say no or ask for help can be challenging, both for yourself and for those who depend on you. You may need to put your pride aside, too. But you need to remind yourself and others that these roles are not your top priority; you have more important roles that God has given to you - one of which is being a caregiver.

Think also about how you can get help in some of the roles you have not marked as unique to you. For example, you can ask friends, relatives and church mates to buy your meals and groceries, or to help with some household duties. Specific requests can make it easier for them to help.

What roles must you do?
Take a good look at the roles that you listed down on Page 48-49. Now start marking out or writing down those roles that only you can fill; those that you can get help with; and those you can pass on to others and put on hold.

Think carefully! While you may be good at some of these roles and others may rely heavily on you to carry out these roles, it doesn't necessarily mean that you're the only one who can do them. Ask yourself: What would happen if I'm not around? Would someone eventually take over, or would it be left vacant? Can I get help to carry out these roles?

What only I can do:
(e.g. daughter of God, husband, mother, son, close friend, manager, mentor)


What I can get help with:
(e.g. housekeeper, businessman, Sunday school teacher, small group leader)


What I can pass to others or put on hold:
(e.g. choir member, usher, volunteer at charity, member of apartment block management committee)


God does not give us work to handle alone.

That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. - Exodus 18:22


That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. - Exodus 18:22
PHOTO: That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. - Exodus 18:22 
Picture posted by  Aleph Tav Scriptures & Products - Jethro
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMr8CMSXZfZCGuyW-AGR_0Q7EhXrOG08eSzb7zA4B4QKKugMVamSLXJnok8DzUri3aaie653oA2XPFKi_CbUljsIJ3oBnMQEBc7DRd_bVi7j-GYRhQfyzAUHH2fpZhuYecCkJ751ri1224poMOWHDJPoJxDZ8swGp1Bv82NaqW-Ah9C48kagYhNPLr/s640/jethro.bmp
https://alephtavscriptures.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/jethro.bmp
https://alephtavscriptures.com/yithro-jethro/



In advising Moses on how to avoid a burnout, Jethro did two things. First, he laid out Moses' main role, which was to be the people's representative before God and teach them His statutes (Exodus 18:19-20). This was a role that only Moses could fill.

"That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you," he pointed out. "If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied" (Exodus 18:22-23).

By discerning between the roles that only he, Moses, could play, and those that others could take over, Moses could avoid over-burdening himself without compromising his service to the people.


By discerning between the roles that only he, Moses, could play, and those that others could take over, Moses could avoid over-burdening himself without compromising his service to the people.
PHOTO: By discerning between the roles that only he, Moses, could play, and those that others could take over, Moses could avoid over-burdening himself without compromising his service to the people.
Picture posted by GoodSalt.com -  Moses father-in-law Jethro grows concerned about Moses' burdens
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjj4Wn9kUWCpWSKsISsEWld9AzKyp8Lk9innHiIM2bJPM3CSi1lLF6l2wwqhMbJg8kIqkEWfFWH94Yz4oU-xQvPWtWDdP8GfNZy1Azrbj1o0C4LPuqJe_lN2p8V0R7HF3qLBSp2RptoxR0LwLwWzEZZh_7Swd7mWvZmLoeC_oPflz0KGj_lttKtWXh/s1200/concern-for-moses-GoodSalt-lfwas1717_1-932x1200.png
https://www.goodsalt.com/view/concern-for-moses-GoodSalt-lfwas1717.jpg
https://id.goodsalt.com/details/lfwas1717.html



How can we do the same thing today? Earlier, you listed down the roles that you currently play. Now, take a good look at your list and start marking out those roles that you alone can fill.

(You can mark your list on Pages 48 and 49, or write down the roles in the next two pages.)

For example, no one but you can be God's daughter, your parent's son, your husband's wife, or your son's father. You'll find that most of these roles, if not all, involve your relationships with God and your family.


Take a good look at your list and start marking out those roles that you alone can fill.
PHOTO: Take a good look at your list and start marking out those roles that you alone can fill.
For example, no one but you can be God's daughter, your parent's son, your husband's wife, or your son's father. You'll find that most of these roles, if not all, involve your relationships with God and your family.
Picture posted by Nick on 19 January 2015

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73-9OyAIDtVWQe8QYED7ODuB17tV2cB30oOS0RbEr2I587MbYcF-gU1YvO8hrtFQxGMCoJVMcXghlseSCHq4-7PdU7bqG-hhsouDiPQH26j6kCrPmrXTSD8bJwKZpolUaEMmJ48Wj0q4OLhexaTYWyfHdWKVcWRT6pC18Q-0TqJGgo0jLKUiizC0e/s1018/ash.png
https://ashangelblog.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/ash.png
https://www.nicksigur.com/roles/



Think hard before marking each role: you might find that some are not "unique" to you. While you may be good at them and people rely heavily on you, it doesn't mean you're the only person who can fulfil them. Ask yourself:
  • Who can take my place if I'm not available?
  • Would the role be left vacant forever, or would someone eventually take over?

Think hard before marking each role: you might find that some are not 'unique' to you.
PHOTO: Think hard before marking each role: you might find that some are not "unique" to you. While you may be good at them and people rely heavily on you, it doesn't mean you're the only person who can fulfil them. Ask yourself:
Who can take my place if I'm not available?
Would the role be left vacant forever, or would someone eventually take over?
Picture posted by Luke Setzer, Rebirth of Reason
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNS7z3AIyPvS-KohmP3-pqr4mGhZiuU1aMgLjSVw1Cjaz6x7yaIqeSUkRYtfIpJwNi-tq9tiCVGkT-Gub1qNaNAhNE2WNUgHnflVaHg9YxNNahUtO9yqas1LN-2tr8KZ35b0uxtb1HvsIfAX-VcQQTLm-6loqBFFlRjz4Zjn4SC-vb9Xdle2SytXP/s865/Self-in-Society.jpg
http://rebirthofreason.com/Florida/Self-in-Society.jpg
http://rebirthofreason.com/Articles/Setzer/Experiencing_Objectivism_through_the_Enhanced_Tri-Quation.shtml



The roles you've marked are your top priorities: they are roles God created you to fill, for which He divinely placed you in these people's lives. As for the other roles, you can pass them on to someone else, or ask others to help you.

Learning to say no or ask for help can be challenging, both for yourself and for those who depend on you. You may need to put your pride aside, too. But you need to remind yourself and others that these roles are not your top priority; you have more important roles that God has given to you - one of which is being a caregiver.


The roles you've marked are your top priorities: they are roles God created you to fill, for which He divinely placed you in these people's lives.
PHOTO: The roles you've marked are your top priorities: they are roles God created you to fill, for which He divinely placed you in these people's lives. As for the other roles, you can pass them on to someone else, or ask others to help you.
You have more important roles that God has given to you - one of which is being a caregiver.
Picture posted by The Open University

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pDVHET0vJc_QUWL1TT-iLkOX_FV6Xe1gexDCMugEIUotJxbBn7haeWL-ge7jYI2-IjgV31fEyCuGomN205psZ9mJE6bS0CZjrR_I_epMqZFD1czJ0oeTagyh6MqtNw3S_o3uRN4FldMKyoLPpeVpFS-5rKcepikofBdHitwFHRutTOZXNymgfpuX/s595/working_in_dt_boc_wk2_fig01.eps.png
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/pluginfile.php/933698/mod_oucontent/oucontent/48053/d9358971/84c0c58b/working_in_dt_boc_wk2_fig01.eps.png
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=68105&section=1



Think also about how you can get help in some of the roles you have not marked as unique to you. For example, you can ask friends, relatives and church mates to buy your meals and groceries, or to help with some household duties. Specific requests can make it easier for them to help.


Think also about how you can get help in some of the roles you have not marked as unique to you.
PHOTO: Think also about how you can get help in some of the roles you have not marked as unique to you. For example, you can ask friends, relatives and church mates to buy your meals and groceries, or to help with some household duties. Specific requests can make it easier for them to help.
Picture posted by 123rf

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbLjafyJsR5EOdUIUoOm5D4Ufgj8vCBhnEXpz0syd5mdFnNf_Rb0q0LnA-_CTKIZocIVzclEMqGLb6bNWV1lfxx6dWqqNr6uPbj-s0IRbgYeoOoDMNQ7EsJNUDSm7Tc3P3yM1pFEtRyR8aTlpgHqE7iwzi3QeobrJ0qw4Zm259CJxEBUcIkedxbdS/s1300/87820580-help-me-message-girl-holding-help-me-poster-.webp
https://previews.123rf.com/images/olleg/olleg1710/olleg171000027/87820580-help-me-message-girl-holding-help-me-poster-.jpg
https://nl.123rf.com/photo_87820580_help-me-message-girl-holding-help-me-poster.html



What roles must you do?
Take a good look at the roles that you listed down on Page 48-49. Now start marking out or writing down those roles that only you can fill; those that you can get help with; and those you can pass on to others and put on hold.

Think carefully! While you may be good at some of these roles and others may rely heavily on you to carry out these roles, it doesn't necessarily mean that you're the only one who can do them. Ask yourself: What would happen if I'm not around? Would someone eventually take over, or would it be left vacant? Can I get help to carry out these roles?

What only I can do:
(e.g. daughter of God, husband, mother, son, close friend, manager, mentor)


What I can get help with:
(e.g. housekeeper, businessman, Sunday school teacher, small group leader)


What I can pass to others or put on hold:
(e.g. choir member, usher, volunteer at charity, member of apartment block management committee)


God does not give us work to handle alone.


God does not give us work to handle alone.
 

Dear Father.
PHOTO: "Dear Father, give me the strength to faithfully fulfil the roles You have given me, and the courage and boldness to delegate those roles that are not mine to keep. Give me the humility to see that I am not indispensable, and the faith to trust You to take care of others in my life.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!
"
Reflection - Journeying with yourself - Doing what only you can do
Source (book): "He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God", PART II "JOURNEYING WITH YOURSELF", Chapter 18 "Doing what only you can do", Page 50.
Adapted from books by Shelly Beach: Ambushed By Grace: Help and Hope in the Caregiving Journey, and It Is Well with My Soul.



Other Books (Links)

"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, ©
2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, ©
2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020

https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 

"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
 

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
 

"Teach Us to Number Our Days", © 2008 by David Roper

Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/11/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-1-40.html
 
 
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/03/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-41.html
 


Reference
[1] From "He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God", Copyright © 2018 by Our Daily Bread Ministries, PART II "JOURNEYING WITH YOURSELF", Chapter 18 "Doing what only you can do", Page 50-53.


Links


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