Care
by Jessica Anderson
Thank You for the caregivers in our lives.
For those who make us feel noticed, seen, and loved.
For the spouse who made our breakfast.
For the friend who follows up with a text.
For the neighbor who brings in a package.
For the barista who remembers our name.
For the stranger who extends an act of care.
Forgive us for when we don’t extend care
To the people who live with us,
And the people You’ve placed around us.
Sometimes we’re a bit lazy.
Sometimes we’re self-focused.
Sometimes we fill our minds and our schedules
And don’t make room to care for anyone beyond ourselves.
Would You increase our care for others?
Would You help us notice, see, and love?
A spouse. A friend.
A neighbor. A teenager.
A stranger.
Who could feel loved if we paused?
Who could feel served if we slowed down?
Who could feel seen if we mustered the bravery to say hello?
Who could feel noticed if we picked up the phone to call?
(Or we didn’t let that person’s call go to voicemail.)
Jesus,
You are the greatest giver of care.
Guide us into more empathy and sincere acts of care.
Help us to notice who’s hurting, harried, and helpless.
Help us to care when we might not feel up to it.
Help us to know when to back off
In moments we might care a little too much.
May we do for others
As we’d have them do for us,
Strengthened and inspired by the care
You first showed us.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Jess Anderson lives in Greenwood Village, CO with her husband Max, four kids, two dogs and cat. In this season, in addition to managing her work as a parent and puppy-trainer, she loves to work in the yard, arrange flowers, and is honored to be a member of the Board of Trustees of Sacred Place as well as Gibney Dance in NYC.
