Things I Think…
1. Those of you who follow me on Facebook know that I spent most of the weekend in the hospital. I’m out and recuperating, thankful for your prayers.
2. I spent a couple of hours waiting in a packed emergency room before being admitted and saw what my community looks like through a different lens.
Half the people were there for emotional or mental health issues and there were a couple elderly folks who I think were there because they were terribly afraid and lonely. One woman laid on the floor yelling “I hurt”!…vocalizing the feelings of most of us inside the hospital and out. It was as if they’d never heard of Jesus….why are so many falling though the cracks?
3. Whatever they pay nurses is not enough…
4. True story…I was supposed to stay another night, but my iPhone was almost dead and I didn’t have a charger…so I convinced them to let me out…
5. When I was in triage I noted to the nurse what a madhouse the waiting area was. He responded by saying “we’ll never turn anyone away”…it was a matter of fact and honor. I may put that over the front door of the church…
6. The staff of an ER knows that everyone they encounter at work is sick, hurt, scared, and broken and they act accordingly. Perhaps we need to do like wise when we’re not in the hospital and see if it helps…
7. Be intentional about blessing people that serve you wherever they work…most folks curse them and a kind word and thanks mean more than you know…
8. You know that you finally have more wisdom than pride when you allow them to use a wheelchair to take you out of the hospital…
9. One of the things that endeared the nurses to me was that they listened to me and by their responses, indicated they heard me. I might try doing that for others myself now that I’m out…
10. Finally, there were a lot of people in a lot of different areas that took care of me. All of them where necessary in their own way and without any of them,my care would have suffered. Behold…that’s a perfect picture of how the church is supposed to work. You matter…a lot…
Outstanding list, sir.
The Body of Christ would do well to learn from those who serve occupationally in public service such as those you mention.
Thanks, Stephen…
Great that you are back Michael. Good words here. I especially appreciate #6.
First rule of hospital visitation… go to the nurses’ desk first, they actually know what’s going on.
Michael, please don’t make this a regular occurrence for literary inspiration…
Thanks, Dan!
Thank you, Duane…I may try to find another location for inspiration next week… 🙂
Thank yoh, Lord … but couldn’t you find someone to bring the man a charger? ?
I commiserate with you. I think I saw you had kidney stones. I have had a few. Last week, I managed to inhale a potassium citrate pill (kidney stone treatment) down into my left lung. I spent the night in ICU. Like you I try to be nice to the people who are attending to my misery. I hope that it is a matter of character that when we suffer, we can still be kind to others.
Randy,
That’s brutal…hoping we don’t have repeat performances!
Such a right on Word my friend. Glad you received good medical care and are on the mend…. and yes, amen, medical folk are such a blessing in all the ways you mentioned.
Hope your health continues on the healing path…
love and prayers…
Thank you, Paige!
I can’t tell you how vital it is to bring an external battery charger and a couple different charging cables to people in the hospital.
Praying for a full recovery, Michael!
Thank you, JTK!
Good thoughts, and glad you are feeling better.
So which thing makes you feel more vulnerable? A hospital gown or a dead phone? How quickly we’ve grown dependent on that device. Forget it somewhere or have it die and I’ll feel like I’m half-dressed…
Glad to hear that you’re doing well enough that they could release you, that you received great care and your phone is charging. ?
Michael, I’m happy that you are out of there and on the mend. If we are attentive, we can see Jesus wherever we go!
Michael,
I have been a “silent observer” on this sight for for a few years. You have no idea as to how much wisdom and insight you have provided. I pray for God’s speed for your recovery. Thank you for your ministry.
McGarrett,
Thank you for speaking up…it’s very encouraging to me.
Michael,
I’ve hardly been online these past 3 days. Sorry to learn of your woes. I pray you continue to get better. And next time try to leave it to your cats for inspiration of something to write about rather than taking on the chore yourself. 😉
A healing prayer for brother Micheal.Glad your home safe.
Michael–so glad you’re out and doing better. Kidney stones are misery.
Love this statement: 6. The staff of an ER knows that everyone they encounter at work is sick, hurt, scared, and broken and they act accordingly. Perhaps we need to do like wise when we’re not in the hospital and see if it helps…
That is so important to remember as pressures turn up in the country, at work, and at church.
Sometimes our own misery blinds us from the travails of others. Thank you for reminding us that it shouldn’t.
Thank you, Linnea…good to see you here, as always…
Glad you are doing better. So sorry your health has had you in and out of the hospital so much. We need to up our prayers for you our dear brother and friend. I’m not on Facebook so had no idea til now…. still praying….
Randy, hope you are recovering from your icu visit. And praying for your kidney stones situation.
Don’t know how I missed this whole thread! Good things to think on.