This chapter of my life is overwhelmingly busy. Most days my schedule, almost down to the minute, is filled with work, appointments, studying, cleaning, devotions, paying bills, spending time with the husband, and the list goes on and on. Can you believe I don't even have children yet? Phew! Being a nursing student has completely consumed my life, but for the better. Some days I want to give up because the program is so rigorous, and I'm holding on for dear life. But on Thursdays each week, we have what is called Clinical Experience. One these ocassions, we get real-life encounters with patient. You must know that everything we have done is like a foreign language to me. Never have I ever bathed someone or even taken their pulse. My mind has been a sponge for all these new procedures and interactions.
The first semester is grounded in long-term care wherein we learn the fundamentals of nursing. Every patient I cared for touched me in a different way. I truly enjoyed the moments I shared with them as it is like nothing I have ever done in my life. It's new and exciting to me. But one man affected long after I finished caring for him. Now I have been a "glass is half empty" kind of person for quite some time. And I'm working on that daily. As I walked into the room and introduced myself, he kindly greeted me with a warm smile and a pleasant "good morning". The first thing I noticed was not only his calm demeanor, but the television show playing in the background. Kenneth Copeland was preaching on his daily show and I was delighted to be hearing The Word while providing morning care. I proceeded to move forward with the routines and I realized that this man not only was bedridden, but his legs were immobilized and he had tubes coming out of nearly every orifice there is. He lived in this facility all the time and couldn't even get up and walk down the hall if he wished. His dependence for daily activities of living was on the health care team solely. And he was happy. He was content. And I was astounded. Could I be this way if
my life progressed in this manner? How does he do this every day? Jesus.
We didn't get to chat about the Lord much because the timing and situation didn't permit. I was a bit overwhelmed by all of his medical conditions and tasks that had to be completed. But my heart tells me that this man knew Jesus. And he knew Him to a level far past where I'm at in my walk. I'm honored to have cared for him and I don't think he will ever realize how much he affected me. God used him to increase my awareness of how I am presently and who I want to become through faith in Christ. That sense of being so deeply rooted in God that the suffering of this world does not break your spirit is so amazing to me.
Lord, help me to trust you in the little things I trudge through now so that I may fight the battles with you by my side through this walk of life.
Psalm 9:9-10 "The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you."
Jesus Loves You,
Molly
