Why I Love My Job

I had the most amazing patient this past weekend at the hospital. She had spunk, a genuine loving spirit, and we shared a common bond in The family of God. This woman is in her late 70s, fighting cancer, and was recently informed she probably has 3 weeks left to live. I did not want to leave her side!

She reminded me of my grandma in many ways. We shared about our love for our church family and the hope we have in Christ. I told her how my grandma almost passed away two years ago, and that God has a way of bringing us home at just the right time. This woman called me a blessing because of our shared hope, but what I learned from her will stick with me far longer.

I was in awe of her joy, peace and love in the midst of the pain and inevitable days she faced ahead. The fact that she would take the time to hear about my life and what God has been doing was a gift for me... And for once to have the time to share it. This is the one advantage to working nights; occasionally it is quiet enough for quality conversation. I can't get her out of my head! As I said goodbye to her, she asked me to pray for her-showing vulnerability for the first time. I wish I had stopped right there to pray for her... Instead I hurried on my way to meet the next patient, Saying "I will pray" as I left. Do you ever forget to pray when you said you would? I try very hard not to, but I too often fall short.

Lord God Almighty, my prayer for Jan is that you would strengthen her in your grace, love and power as she faces new trials and temptations. Bring other believers into her life to love her and encourage her-giving her what I didn't take the time to. Above all draw her deeper into peaceful rest with you, longing for heaven that nothing on Earth would keep her from reaching, and grant her Your hope and peace to make the transition to her home with You. Let her life continue to be a blessing to others, and thank You so much for bringing us into each other's life at this time.

Happy Belated Bday Grams!!

My Grandma (March 4, 2012)

In life and death, she taught me:
How to endure suffering with Joy,
Perseverance, Love and Grace to Cope.
Always Giving Thanks in Song.
Holding fast to the Precious Hope.

In every memory:
She taught me to love His Word;
As we read the Psalms together;
As we prayed for one another.
Always, always using the Sword.

Writing Poetry in every season,
Never short of inspiration.
Together we wrote so many rhymes,
And shared our own a dozen times.

Did I forget to mention Music?
Her gifts to me will always be,
Remembered with sweet harmony.
For this she taught me every day,
To sing songs of Joy in every way.

I remember:
Trying on so many hats,
Playing with all her cats.
Listening to her ‘skookie-stories.’
And Phase 10 was always fun,
But I’ll never forget the songs Sung,
While Planting flowers in the Sun:

The LORD is my Shepherd, In a Perfect Round.
Harmonies sung to I Love You Lord;
And then there was “Rock O’ My Soul”
So many Truths with Sweet Songs Resound!

I’ll never forget her love for life,
Her family and friends, in Joy and Strife.
But most of all, right from the start,
She taught me in everything,
To Love the LORD with all your Heart.

So my prayer this day will be,
Knowing she is at rest with Thee:
To live a life that echoes her own,
In Love, Joy, and Mercy Shown.