As we approach Easter, a time of renewal and hope, I find myself drawn to the profound connection between caregiving and the heart of the holiday. As the CEO of a faith-based organization committed to providing compassionate care to older adults, this connection is one that resonates deeply with me.

Easter symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, of life over death. It reminds us of the transformative power of love, sacrifice and renewal. In many ways, caregiving embodies these same principles. To care for others is an act of love, a selfless dedication to the well-being and comfort of someone other than yourself.

Just as Easter celebrates the resurrection and renewal of life, caregiving offers hope and renewal to those in need. It is a journey of companionship, support, and healing, where each act of kindness brings light into the lives of those cared for.

At United Church Homes, our caregivers embody the spirit of Easter every day as they provide comfort, dignity and respect to older adults in our communities. They are love in action, serving hope and compassion to all.

But caregiving is not without its challenges. It requires patience, resilience and dedication. It demands that we confront our own vulnerabilities and limitations, and yet, it opens us up to profound moments of connection, joy and grace.

As we celebrate Easter this Sunday, let us remember the caregivers who walk alongside us, offering their hands and hearts in service to others.

Let us embrace the spirit of caregiving in our own lives, recognizing the profound impact that small acts of kindness and compassion can have on the lives of others. For in each moment of caregiving, we have the opportunity to display the transformative power of Easter– bringing light, hope, and renewal to those in need.

May this Easter be a reminder of the power of love, the resilience of the human spirit, and the potential of caregiving. And may we all be inspired to embrace the spirit in our own lives.

John 13:34-35: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”

 

For Reflection (either individually or with a group)

Read the blog. Read it a second time, maybe reading it aloud or asking someone else to read it aloud so you can hear it with different intonation and emphases. Invite the Divine to open your heart to allow the light of new understanding to pierce the shadows of embedded assumptions, stereotypes, and ways of thinking so that you may live more abundantly. Then spend some time with the following questions together with anything or anyone who helps you reflect more deeply.

 

  • Can you connect caregiving with the Easter holiday?
  • When has a small act of kindness made a big impact for you?
  • Have you, as a caregiver or caresharer, ever experienced a moment of connection, joy and grace through your care?

 

Download a pdf including the Reflection Questions to share and discuss with friends, family, or members of your faith community small group.

About the Author: Rev. Dr. Kenneth Daniel

Rev. Dr. Kenneth V. Daniel, Chief Executive Officer of United Church Homes joined the organization in 2011. He serves as Chief Executive Officer of Radiant Alliance, a newly formed non-profit collaboration which includes United Church Homes, Metta Healthcare (Ohio’s Hospice, Pure Healthcare) and Genacross Lutheran Services. Over the past 30 years, Rev. Daniel has worked in a variety of leadership positions in senior living, healthcare and housing services, and as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator. Rev. Daniel had a 19-year career with Phoebe Ministries in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He then served for two years as Executive Director of Ingleside at Rock Creek in Washington, D.C. prior to assuming his role at United Church Homes. He earned a master’s degree from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities where he received the Distinguished Alumni award in 2016. In 2019, he received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Heidelberg University for his outstanding service to the United Church of Christ and United Church Homes. Rev. Daniel has earned Fellow and Certified Nursing Home Administrator status with the American College of Health Care Administrators. He is the former Chairman of the Board of LeadingAge Ohio and was named Visionary Leader of the Year in 2022. He currently serves on the Board of LeadingAge national.

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