Why Continue Putting Coins In A Broken Soda Machine?
At a support group I regularly attend, a soda machine dispensing perfectly chilled drinks hums quietly against the wall. While seemingly a small thing, I enjoy the meetings with a refreshing beverage—taking a break from challenging days.
Uncharacteristically, the machine deviated from our regular transactions and took my money without providing a drink. Slightly irritated, I called the number posted on the machine and left a message for the vendor. Explaining that the machine took my money, I trusted the owner to properly manage the issue. Returning the next week, I held my breath while clinking coins into the slot. Surprisingly, two sodas tumbled out!
Chalking it up to “balance,” I gave the second soda to a friend. Giving a glance at the machine, I felt, “Hey …we’re even.”
The next week, the machine took my money—again.
A teachable moment for caregivers
Sometimes caregivers put our treasure—our self-worth and peace of mind—into broken individuals. Furthermore, those individuals often lack the ability to respond in a way we’d like or that is appropriate. This may cause us to feel rejected and discouraged. Changing our perspective, however, helps us see our expectations are resentments waiting to happen. Demanding someone do something they can’t is like trying to buy bread at a hardware store.
Humans in general struggle with getting our self-esteem from other people. We allow others, by their comments or behavior, to pass judgment on our self-worth.
Hateful words from a broken source
A woman recently shared about her elderly mother with dementia. While struggling to return her to bed following a fall, the mother spewed the most hateful things to her. Clenching her teeth through hot tears, she safely helped her mother, but then took a break. She needed to step away for a moment to collect her thoughts and remind herself that all those things that her mother said …do not get to pass judgment on her self-worth. In doing so, she reminded herself that “…the machine was broken,” and she needed to protect the treasure of her heart.
The human race in general struggles with getting our self-esteem from other people. We allow other people, by their comments or behavior, to pass judgment on whether or not we’re worthy.
A woman recently shared about her elderly mother with dementia, While struggling to return her to bed following a fall, the mother spewed the most hateful things to her. Clenching her teeth through hot tears, she safely helped her mother, but then took a break. She needed to step away for a moment to collect her thoughts and remind herself that all those things that her mother said do not get to pass judgment on her self-worth. In doing so, she reminded herself that “…the machine was broken,” and she needed to protect the treasure of her heart.
Who do you believe?
The same people that say you’re wonderful—can turn right around and say you’re lousy. Who do you believe? From dementia to narcotics, or from chronic pain to alcohol, impairments come in all shapes and sizes. Looking for affirmation from someone “broken” or toxic, brings pain and disappointment.
Whether sidelined by a disability’s logistics, or trapped within our own dark thoughts, every caregiver struggles with Isolation. In that isolation, we are often subjected to the negative behaviors of the one we care for, or our own self-judgment. Rather than trust the treasure of our self-worth to broken machines—to broken people—there’s a purer and better source of value offered to us.
Accepting God’s inexhaustible and perfect love for us, allows us to hide our treasure—our worth—with and in Him. That’s a safer place “..where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:20
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7
About Peter Rosenberger
A thirty-year caregiver for his wife, Gracie, who lives with severe disabilities, Peter Rosenberger understands the journey of a caregiver as few do. His experience led to him to author four books including Hope for the Caregiver, and 7 Caregiver Landmines and How You Can Avoid Them.
Peter Rosenberger’s radio show for family caregivers airs each Sunday at 3PM CDT, and is syndicated through Salem Radio Network.
An accomplished martial artist, Peter recently earned a 2nd Dan (degree) black-belt in Hapkido. The self defense course provides many life lessons that Peter incorporates into his show and speaking. Furthermore, Peter is an accomplished pianist and recently released his new CD, Songs for the Caregiver.
Peter and Gracie live in Nashville, TN, where he also serves and the president and co-founder of Standing With Hope.
