Do you ever say to a suffering friend, “Call me anytime if I can help you in any way.” As a caregiver, you may think that you have just been very helpful and gracious. However, chances are great that the suffering friend will not call you. Your offer may be very sincere, but as the suffering person, I won’t know what you want to do or when you are free: so I probably won’t call and ask for your help.

So, if you really want to care for a suffering person, make your offer specific,  Say, something like: “I would like to come over Monday or Wednesday at 3 o’clock to bake cookies,” “…read you a book,” “…clean your kitchen” “…wash your windows,” or whatever sounds good to you. Does this time and day work for you?

Often we say to people who are going through a tough time. “Call me if I can help in any way.” They don’t and won’t call; so, we need to be like Ed, and state,” I am coming over (add a day and time, if you wish) what may I bring you?” or “What may I do for you?

To download a free e-book on simple ways to care for the people in your life go to our post titled 122+ Ways to Care Well.

Photo credit: Elisha Pospisil (https://goo.gl/pL86w8)

Karen Mulder

Karen Mulder

Karen Mulder is the founder of the Wisdom of the Wounded ministry. She lives in Holland, Michigan with her husband Larry.

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