It is important to realize as
you serve others, that you need to take care of yourself as well, and here are some pointers —
1) Be realistic with the number
of people you are willing to take on. Understand that it is all right to say, “I’m sorry, but I just can’t
handle any more right now.” If you are doing too much you can’t provide the best care to anyone, including yourself.
2) If you are the leader, pass
off the incoming people who need to be served. There are three reasons. First, you overload yourself; second, you are denying
the privilege of doing God’s work to your volunteers (work they are asking to do when they volunteer); and lastly, you
need to save yourself for those times when you call down the list and no one else is available – then you don’t
end up overloaded.
3) Be willing to occasionally
give yourself a break. This could be especially true when someone that you have been serving for a long time, or are especially
close to, dies.
4) When that someone (as in
#3) dies, understand that you might mourn too. Allow this to happen and acknowledge it. Know the signs – a bit testy;
forgetful; tired or just plain sad. You won’t have the grief of a family member, but there very well might be a feeling
of loss (grief).
Many times we get so involved
in helping others that when we are affected we don’t recognize it. It is as though it can only happen to someone else.
But, we can experience grief, too.
Remember this when other team members are experiencing illness or death.
Even though they work in the program, they need to be treated as though they were another parishioner -- needing help; not
as if they have been around long enough to know how to handle it by themselves. I am reminded of when my mother died -- it
was the practice at that time in our church to send a note of sympathy -- I didn’t get one! I was the leader and therefore
surely must know all about it. I got a letter from the Pastor, but not from the Samaritans.
