This past week I spent a day in the Mayo Hospital in Rochester, MN. The reason for the surgery was not life threatening but it still needed to be done. I was not worrying about it but I did appreciate all the prayers that were offered up for me. I need some after-care yet but that should not be a big deal either. What I had done was remove several kidney stones that could become problematic if not removed. While being examined I met many different doctors, nurses and other health personal. What I want to share with you is one of life's basic interactions and how we miss that particular point.
The picture above is a weak example of giving and receiving.
As a chaplain I visit with many people who are in the hospital with various illness and diseases. Some are life-threatening and some not. Patients are scared, tense or just wondering how and when this illness is going to end. When can I eat? When can I go home? Will my family understand my illness? Will they help me or make it more difficult for me to do the necessary things for me to get better. These are all valid questions. Our health is important and the patient needs more than just the doctors medical expertise to give them answers to their questions. Remember, I am in no way belittling the doctors or nurses role, they ae vital. Still most patients need encouragement, prayers, love and hope. This the Chaplains can do and it is privilege to be a part of the whole illness. I understand that part and see that often in the hospital. It is also portrayed the picture at the top of this page. Given in love and received in love is an ideal situation.
And that is the part I learned this week. I find it is easier to give than to receive. Receiving graciously means I need someone elses help. I have always been able to do for myself, why not now. But learned quickly Friday morning that I would need help, a lot of help, to make this whole surgery deal complete. How was I going to respond to their help? Graciously or rudely At this point Friday morning I would be gracious and put myself into the hands of those that treated me. It has been said that when you leave your house to go to the hospital you should pound a nail into the garage wall and hang your modesty on the nail. And I find that to be true. How else could they do their job? With the kindness of everyone of the staff I felt love and well taken care of .
Going back to the picture above I believe it is possible most of the time for both to show love and respect. That is what I see in that picture.
So, how does that relate to our everyday live and not just in the patient-chaplain role. I can't help but think of the tremendous sacrifice God made in sending his son into the world so that thru his death we as Christians can spent eternity in heaven with. him. How can I expect to pay him back for such a huge price he paid for me? No we don't compare prices, all God wants from us is to accept his son and live for him in gratitude. No matter age, color, background, sinful past, God forgives that all. And the riches of God's grace don't just start when we die, no, they start immediately. It is a glorious life to experience the richness of God's grace and enjoy the fellowship with those who are also joint heirs with Jesus.I talk much more about this in my book, I've Always Been Rich, which was published in June last year. It is glorious life when we know that God is guiding us thru every step of the way. The book is all about life lived in fellowship with him.
Marilyn Rensink email mjrevmon6@aol.com But the book in any good bookstore near you.
I would love to hear from you.
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