Late Post for 2/24 Friday

This last week seemed, how do you say, worse than any other? Not sure how or why, but maybe the emotional part of ministering to families, emotional part of my life and transition, and emotional part of having a 3 yr old that doesn't enjoy obeying all caught up with each other on the "perfect storm" of a week. It was even a short week, but also a lonely week, as Virgil and Paul were both out of the office till Thursday. I spent a few visits of referrals that were really meaningful to me, as I could see the enjoyment from the family as I announced my purpose for the visit... a friend who cares for you asked me to come be with you. One of our sisters got to get out of the hospital this week, and that was a blessing. I showed up early to her room, and was excited to hear of her departure schedule. Her mom shared in the joy she had in having folks from Lifeline stop by consistently, and lifting them up in prayer.
But I also learned something new about cancer treatment. Getting out of the hospital does not offer pure freedom. There is an additional 100 days (at least in this case) that the patient needs to come in for treatment and blood scans to ensure the cancer is no longer present. That means more parking, more driving, more hassle with traffic and waiting rooms, more blood drawn, more waiting for results, and more anxiety... but no more 3am vitals. So as Ecclesiates teaches, its all meaningless, here today, gone tomorrow, with the good theres the bad, but no matter what... Fear God and keep his commandments.

Today at church, I was asked to lead the prayer time that would "wrap up" our 40days of purpose time, and look back on some of the things we learned. However, this prayer time that I had planned, did not come to its fruition. We sang 2 songs before I was supposed to get up to the podium, The Greatest Command and something else... anyway, the first song is one that for some reason or another, always moves me to tears. It's the announcement of our purpose and our likeness to Christ, to Love One Another, because God is love. It's powerful. And so I thought, I could go up and do my prayer, without being affected. I was wrong. I could barely get out the commencement portion of the prayer, when I felt Jesus tapping at my heart. It takes a big man to stand before his church and be vulnerable, to be open, to allow the tears to be heard.... at least that's what I tell myself. It was a powerful prayer... and a very spirit lead prayer. Most are right? Well funny I ask, because this morning I asked God to help me in my prayer, to give me the words and the spirit of worship. And there it was. I have had a few people respond to me that it was a very "tender" prayer time, moving, powerful, and good. All virtues I see in Jesus Christ, and was glad to share with the 1st service today.
So not really a reflection on this last week in patient rooms, or times with coworkers, but just in the life of an intern, and behind the scenes, of why it is so important to just Love one another... because God is Love.