Guest post by Jonna J. LeVan
It is so hard.
My heart leaped, then sank when I opened an email that said I had been awarded a writers conference scholarship. I shuddered to even think of heading out to that mountaintop writing haven three states away. The message implied the task of assembling a team to support my adult autistic son for a week! I froze there at my logistical base-camp desk looking up at a Mount Everest. Yikes.
We caregivers know the toil and labor it takes to round up the help needed to replace us for even a few needed hours, let alone a few days. It requires extra work, extra energy, and extra mental space when we’re already running on fumes. The process seems daunting, but friend, that mountain is worth it.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not one of those preachy “self-care” girls, and I’m not talking about manicures or day spas. But I recently heard Priscilla Shirer share that Elijah, fatigued from his assignments, was given angelic orders to “have a sandwich and take a nap.” This makes me feel like some Panera, a cuddly blanket, or a physical break is actually recommended for our caregiving journey.
Maybe a five-day writers conference doesn’t sound relaxing. Maybe the classes, the people, and the grueling schedule would be grinding to some. But the luxury of only being in charge of myself for a few days? Priceless! A writers conference would give me a chance to train up my calling while using my brain in a completely different capacity. I made it happen.
Afterward, I truly felt that the Lord had led my every conversation and every step at that conference. It was energizing. It was fuel for the days that followed.
Though many of us feel guilty for unloading our assignment on others for a time, Jesus even encouraged the disciples to:
“Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.
For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.”
Mark 6:31 ESV
Jonna J. LeVan is a wife and mother to a blended family of five young adults. Finding her house (mostly) empty-nested, she felt led to become an autism writer, as everything she writes is touched by autism. She also works as an independent provider for the state of Ohio, assisting people with special needs. Connect with JJ on Instagram and her new Facebook page.
Tracy Crump dispenses hope in her award-winning book, Health, Healing, and Wholeness: Devotions of Hope in the Midst of Illness (CrossLink Publishing, 2021). A former intensive care nurse, she cared for her parents and her mother-in-law and understands both the burdens and joys of caregiving. Her devotions have been featured in Guideposts books, The Upper Room, and many other publications, and she has contributed 22 stories to Chicken Soup for the Soul® books. She also conducts writing workshops, freelance edits, and proofreads for Farmers’ Almanac. But her most important job is Grandma to five completely unspoiled grandchildren.
I’m so glad this post connected with you and your upcoming opportunity! It IS such a challenge, but can I just encourage you to “make it happen.”
Have you connected with her service team? Have you investigated for hidden resources? Have you been vulnerable enough to share the “big ask” with those close to your situation? (This one is the HARDEST part for me, actually.)
I’m praying that God will unveil unexpected sources of encouragement for you and that you WILL BE ABLE TO GET TO THIS conference.
Thank you for reaching out! Praying for you!!
This is almost exactly what I’m facing with a conference I REALLY want to attend in April. But it’s barely a month and a half after my MIL’s shoulder surgery. Her care is challenging on a regular basis. We’ve been warned that this is going to be extremely rough with 4-5 months of recovery . . . And the conference happens right toward the beginning of that window. We’re trying to figure out a solution so I can go and my husband can drive the RV for the 12-hour trip — a blessing in itself to have time with him without my MIL. I keep wanting to say it’s not worth it, but this post is like God saying it is worth it. Do it. So, thank you for the post. Now pray that we can make it happen without her realizing that we’re finding a babysitter for her. It’s a hard balance to maintain her dignity and the reality that she cannot spend a week alone–even if my boys will be “home” (but working and at school, so not really available).
I’m praying for your path forward! I don’t think that you will regret taking this time. The first step is always the hardest, but I am confident that great things await!
Amen!