my Post from week of 2/13
This week things seem to be falling into place, and the reflection of this internship are beginning to grow and define this experience into the most complete and maturing process of my life thus far. I was able to join a room full of CoC preachers and ministers this week, and for the first time, really vocalize the trueness of what I am getting out of this experience. As I shared my "job title" I went into a brief description of what being an intern/volunteer as a ministry to others has looked like. I have been blessed and encouraged in my daily encounters with brothers and sisters who are seriously ill and dying, as well as by their families. Even those who seem short tempered or quick bring about a realness to the illness and crisis of life. Even with our hope in Christ, sometimes the pain of sickness can become vocal or visible. As I spoke, I found myself in awe of my own words, unsure of how I could ever recall them on paper again, but feeling as if the Holy Spirit was spreading the good work of Lifeline in that very moment. I expressed that this time of life is invaluable and there is no amount of money that could purchase this type of education. I am very fortunate to have been invited to be a part of this ministry in being the smile and hand of Christ, and lifting up those in prayer who are in great despair, great depression and removed from all normalcy they have ever known.
This week I was thinking back on why it is I read over the stats of the patients before I go in. I saw Paul and Virgil both read over them, so therefore I did. And then it hit me... it gives me their personal life right there on the paper in brief initials and codes. M-married, S-single, D-divorce & W-widowed. And what a day to realize this, Valentines day, when I decided I was going to try to see those (W) females... because this is probably a doubly hard time. Not only being alone in the hospital without a spouse, but knowing the spouse they used to have is no longer around, on the most romantic day of the year.. so they say. So my lesson to those newcomers and volunteers is this bit of information can be very valuable as we initiate discussion with people about their family and personal lives outside of the hospital bedroom. Comments to avoid could be: Where is your husband (to a divorced woman, or worse yet, a single woman) This week I was visiting a sister who was supposed to be released, when they found a new tumor on her hip. Oh that sucks. So much so, I expressed my emotions aloud that this must be a really sucky valentine for you, and I'm sorry to hear of this news.
I learned this week the importance of ignoring certain body functions as we visit. This was a rather difficult lesson, but one I was quite proud of once it was complete. I enjoyed the visit and the encouragement listening to the young(old) woman, speak of her shortness of time here on earth, and her eagerness and readiness to be with the Lord.
I learned that the new acquaintances I am making are eternal relationships that I will meet up with again. That gives me hope in my visitations, that they are not a one day, 10 minute discussion on how the day is, but they are introductions into the family of Christ we will be surrounded by on that blessed day Jesus Christ returns.
I learned to give hugs this week. And the importance of touch. Those who are bed ridden and isolated and without friends and family around need this the most, I think. They need to feel that acceptance to be touched even before the leprosy is healed, as Christ did. We love first, and talk later.
I have learned the imagery of prayer this week, in giving those I am holding hands with a visual of what it is we are doing together. Walking together hand in hand, into the throne room of God, and laying down those burdens we are so eager to carry. And then just plunging ourselves into His love.
Lastly, I learned we are not immune to problems in our own lives. As ministers, caregivers, friends, volunteers, workers whatever, the roles may soon change and the season may one day be fallen upon us, upon me. I am blessed to know should that time arise, there is One I trust to take care of me in Christ, one I know will stand by me in my wife, and many who will be with me in prayer and presence. This week I'd like to lift up a list of people who I have seen as well as their conditions, to bring before the Lord.
This week I was thinking back on why it is I read over the stats of the patients before I go in. I saw Paul and Virgil both read over them, so therefore I did. And then it hit me... it gives me their personal life right there on the paper in brief initials and codes. M-married, S-single, D-divorce & W-widowed. And what a day to realize this, Valentines day, when I decided I was going to try to see those (W) females... because this is probably a doubly hard time. Not only being alone in the hospital without a spouse, but knowing the spouse they used to have is no longer around, on the most romantic day of the year.. so they say. So my lesson to those newcomers and volunteers is this bit of information can be very valuable as we initiate discussion with people about their family and personal lives outside of the hospital bedroom. Comments to avoid could be: Where is your husband (to a divorced woman, or worse yet, a single woman) This week I was visiting a sister who was supposed to be released, when they found a new tumor on her hip. Oh that sucks. So much so, I expressed my emotions aloud that this must be a really sucky valentine for you, and I'm sorry to hear of this news.
I learned this week the importance of ignoring certain body functions as we visit. This was a rather difficult lesson, but one I was quite proud of once it was complete. I enjoyed the visit and the encouragement listening to the young(old) woman, speak of her shortness of time here on earth, and her eagerness and readiness to be with the Lord.
I learned that the new acquaintances I am making are eternal relationships that I will meet up with again. That gives me hope in my visitations, that they are not a one day, 10 minute discussion on how the day is, but they are introductions into the family of Christ we will be surrounded by on that blessed day Jesus Christ returns.
I learned to give hugs this week. And the importance of touch. Those who are bed ridden and isolated and without friends and family around need this the most, I think. They need to feel that acceptance to be touched even before the leprosy is healed, as Christ did. We love first, and talk later.
I have learned the imagery of prayer this week, in giving those I am holding hands with a visual of what it is we are doing together. Walking together hand in hand, into the throne room of God, and laying down those burdens we are so eager to carry. And then just plunging ourselves into His love.
Lastly, I learned we are not immune to problems in our own lives. As ministers, caregivers, friends, volunteers, workers whatever, the roles may soon change and the season may one day be fallen upon us, upon me. I am blessed to know should that time arise, there is One I trust to take care of me in Christ, one I know will stand by me in my wife, and many who will be with me in prayer and presence. This week I'd like to lift up a list of people who I have seen as well as their conditions, to bring before the Lord.
posted by sirEller | 6:05 PM
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