Doing Good, Slowing Down, and Finding Blessings

So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. Therefore, whenever we have opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. (Galatians 6:9-10 NLT)

Some call the environment I work in controlled chaos. Others call it, well, just chaos.

As an Emergency Department nurse, I work in a fast-paced, high stress, ever-changing, unpredictable environment. Most days, I am racing to see how fast I can complete each task, knowing 15 or more tasks are pending as I care for multiple patients. On any given shift, one of my rooms may house a sick child. In the next room, a combative patient, who requires the presence of security. Across the hall, the sweet elderly man with end-stage cancer makes me want to linger and hold his hand. And then, an unresponsive overdose rolls in. Dividing my attention between all those in my care is a juggling act that often makes me wish for another pair of hands.

Recently, as I entered a patient’s room I heard the Lord tell me to slow down, listen, to be present and attentive. I started an IV, gave him fluids and medicines. Over the course of several hours, as I was in and out of his room, we chatted about many things — children, church, the weather, and politics. In all apparent ways, this man and I were very different. He was far older, our skin was not the same color, and we have chosen different paths in life. But through our interaction, we found the common ground of faith. We talked about salvation, grace, and the mercy of our Heavenly Father. 

Later, I explained in detail what his lab results meant, and told him what to expect as next steps in his treatment. Despite his current condition, we laughed and joked. He made light of his situation. 

As I walked out of his room for the final time, with tears in my eyes, I thanked the Lord for telling me to slow down. My job was to care for that man, but in fact, that day, he had overwhelmingly cared for me. 

Special encounters like this remind me why I chose to be a nurse. Nursing is so much more than tasks. It’s remembering to holistically care for people, including their emotional and spiritual needs, and to love them the way Christ loves us.

God speaks in various ways — through his word, in quiet moments of prayer and contemplation, and through those we encounter in our everyday lives. But often we allow hectic schedules and mindless activities, like television and social media, to silence God's voice.

Today, take time to slow down, listen, and reflect, even as you go about the routines of job, family, and daily life. Watch for God at work. Listen for His instruction. Take time to interact with people. As you bless others with your time and attention, you will, in turn, be blessed.

Copyright © Neely Wright, used with permission.