Yumm! Sweet sensations are flooding my taste buds as I suck on fresh honeycomb. It is so good that I can almost forget how hot the beekeepers jacket, veiled hat and thick gloves were a few minutes ago in the blazing sun. It is so good I can almost forget the sound of angry bees popping against my veil while harvesting the honey frames.
Those little bee girls can sure turn angry when they feel threatened and have to defend their honey. Their happy steady hum begins to change into an angry roar. You feel them popping your protective veil and will feel their sting if you remove it.
Keep that in mind when being a caregiver of a person who feels threatened. They are losing control of their life. They feel robbed of independence, dignity and being a person of value. They sting with their words and actions out of anxiety and fear. You can’t hold this against them. We might sting too if we were in their position.
One morning I received a call from a woman staying with my mom. Mom was angry because my father had left for a while. She was yelling and beating the phone against the wall when I first talked to her. I calmed her by telling her I knew she must be lonely with my dad gone. I reassured her that I would call him and have him return home right away. She settled enough to talk calmly before I hung up. I learned to validate her feelings by experience. In the past I had tried to explain where he had gone but it only made her more fearful and angry.
With honeybees a little smoke brings calm. With people a little love and patience brings calm. Never forget that the one you care for has many sweet rewards to offer. These include smiles, hugs, laughter and love. You might have to endure the stings sometimes but it is so worth it.
Word for Today
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24
Songs for Today (Paul Simon borrowed from The Swan Silvertones)
Prayer for Today
Our Loving Heavenly Father we come to you knowing there will be days of troubled waters and emotions will run high. Please calm us with your peace so that we can calm those we care for. Lead us together to find the sweet rewards of joy and peace. Teach us to validate feelings and listen with our hearts just as you listen to us when we pour out our fears and frustrations to you. You listen and then hold us close until we feel your calm. Help us to listen and hold others close as well.
Amen
Walking Them Home 