Monday, September 19, 2022

Dear God,

Today I learned the value of compassionate care.  This morning as I attempted to take down a kayak and later grabbed hold of a tree limb to get out of the kayak, I tore my bicep muscle.  Swelling, bruising and pain persuaded me to seek care at a local hospital.  

For eight hours I lay on a bed in the hallway adjacent to the door where all emergencies arrived.  The hospital was packed with sick, hurting people.  Although I got exceptional, loving care, a radiologist failed to provide a full report causing me to stay three additional hours.  But it is what happened during that time that taught me a lesson in caring for others.

Every time the emergency door opened, I looked into the faces of injured and/or ill people.  From a tiny baby to an elderly lady, each person was in distress.  That gave me opportunity to pray, to reach out and to offer loving care through words of encouragement, small talk and smiles.  It was just a little bit of something, not much, but I realize you put me in the hall right in that spot for a reason.  Because I was right next to the staff restroom, you even gave me moments when I could offer a kind word to overworked nurses and doctors.  

I recognized your presence in the hallways today and I was very grateful.

Caring God,

you remind us

to reach out

again and again.

You give us opportunity

to make

a difference

in those

who suffer.

Thank you

for my

hallway location

where I

could not

only receive care

but also

give it.

Love, Andrea