Note:  A special thank you to Cheri Cancelliere, author of this luminous essay.

 It seems as if every conversation I have had lately has focused on caregiving. So many are caring for elderly parents and grandparents, sick or disabled spouses, special needs children, new babies or ailing pets. For some Baby Boomers, the challenge might be all of the above.

I have wondered for some time what makes a person a caregiver, for it is surely more than necessity. What makes some people step up to the plate while others seek an escape from the hard realities of neediness and vulnerability? Many of us are natural caregivers. As children, we loved the three legged dog, the one eyed cat, the runt of the litter. From our earliest years, we were sensitive to other children who were shy, different, not picked for the team. As adults, we gravitated to the helping professions of teaching, ministry and healthcare.

Because we care about people, we gravitate to each other for no matter how strong our inclination toward nature or nurture, at some point we have made a choice to live lives of love. In our deepest being, the divine spark of the Imagio Dei whispers, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends” (John 15:13). In this, we value, affirm, honor, and support each other’s choice to care and to love, our sacred work.

We are not more selfless, noble or virtuous than others. We have simply followed our hearts, listened to the still small voice, and made a choice to obey Love. Because love never disappoints, our lives are filled with incomprehensible joy and when we reach the end of our days, we will know the peace of having given our all. In the face of Eternity, our homes, possessions, careers and achievements will not matter, but the hands we have held, tears we have dried, kindness we have shown, and love we have chosen will last forever. We will be there when they take their first step and face their last breath. Our calling truly is sacred work.

Here’s to caregivers everywhere, to those who care for us and each other spiritually, emotionally and physically. Here’s to long days and longer sleepless nights, giving until it hurts, and loving until there is nothing left but the One who loves us all. I celebrate the choice to love with each of you, my heroes, for ours is the abundant life that Jesus promised.

"Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Matt 25:37-40).

 ~ Cheri Cancelliere

P.S. Happy Birthday to Liz Wessel who consistently encourages and affirms that radical loving care is always the right choice!