Compassion fatigue...

Compassion fatigue is a real issue.  Common amongst nurses, pastors and stay at home mothers.  If you run a marathon there are moments along the way that you get tired, need some water and a bit of encouragement.  People who are caregivers need that as well.  Caregivers can't go through life giving and giving without getting refreshed.  Compassion fatigue burns out many people to the point of being ineffective and sometimes even dangerous.  

Here are a couple of signs that you may need to take time and refresh:

a.  can't sleep at night because of all the needs of people

b.  find yourself feeling like a failure as a care giver

c.  sensing your heart hardening towards people's needs

d.  the sense of being "compelled" is gone

e.  fantasizing of another place where things are different

f.  anxiety and worry is stronger than love

A couple of ways to combat this issue:

a.  regular unhurried time alone 

b.  disciplined diet

c.  disciplined time in the Word and prayer

d.  regular excercise

e.  take on a hobby that has nothing to do with being a caregiver

f.  talk regularly and openly with a trusted friend

I publish this because I personally need to be reminded of this right now.  I am about to enter into a situation where deep compassion and patience is going to be needed.  As I reflect on my role here coming up, I need to watch myself.  I thought that these thoughts may help you as well (even though no one is reading my blog yet).