c 1985 I blew it.  This is one event that I wish I could do over.  You see, I was working night shift in a med/surg unit at Ephrata Hospital, and it was crazy busy!  Those of you who are nurses know the kind of shift I mean-- Lots of pain meds to give, blood to hang, bedpans to empty, orders to take off, new admissions... and then there was Mr. Omar.  Ringing his bell. Calling for the nurse.  Ringing his  bell. Calling for the nurse.  Ringing his bell... you get the idea.  And what was it Mr. Omar wanted?  Little things.. a drink of water, covers adjusted, a different pillow, and so on...  He was alert but weak and couldn't really take care of his own needs. I was exasperated and annoyed.  I didn't have time for him.  Sigh-- I did the bare minimum while hardly speaking to him as I fulfilled his requests and then bustled to my next task.  

When I came in the next night for my shift, I was hit by a sledge hammer. (figuratively, of course) Mr. Omar had died that day in the morning a few hours after I had left the hospital. My eyes were suddenly opened as I  realized why Mr. Omar had been ringing his bell constantly--  He was alone.  He was afraid.  He knew he was dying.  He needed a caring person to be by his side; to hold his hand and pray with him; someone to speak gently to him and assure him.  God had put me in that place to be that person. Overwhelmed with my "to do" list, I failed to see the truth that was right in front of me. In the chaos of my tasks,  I failed to center in Jesus and in the peace that transcends all else.  I believe without a doubt that had I been more centered, I would have given those drinks of water with more kindness and gentleness; I would have brought an extra blanket and held his hand for a minute or two.  I would have thought to call the chaplain.  I would have fluffed his pillow and asked him if he wanted me to recite the 23rd Psalm with him before I went back out to the nurses' station. If I was writing this with pen and paper, it would be smudged because I still cry a little when I reflect on that night. 

I became a better nurse; one more focused and centered in our Lord. I learned to look beyond the physical needs.  I've asked for Jesus to forgive me, and I know he has, but I am so sorry, Mr. Omar.  I hope one day to apologize to him in person. 

We enter Holy Week as Sunday signifies the final week of Lent. Please join us as our worship service this Sunday will move from loud hosannas and palm branches to the scriptures of passion and pain. Classes-9 AM. Church Service- 10:15 AM.

Additional services this week to which you are ALL invited: 

• Maundy Thursday Love Feast: 6:15 PM
• Good Friday Service: 7 PM
• Early Easter Sunday Service: 8:15 AM
• Easter Breakfast: 9 AM
• Easter Celebration: 10:15 AM

There will be no communique next Friday. 

Food items of any form are being gathered to share with The Factory Ministries.   

There is a box under the mailboxes for either new or slightly used, clean adult sneakers to share with residents of the Philadelphia Nursing Home. Questions about the shoes may be directed to Korinne Wenger or me. 

Prayer for today: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; God's mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in God." Lamentations 3:22-24

Lord God, fill us with a renewed awareness of your presence in our lives. Jesus, Jesus, draw us to you as we face the tough times and heartbreaks in life assuring us that you are on the journey with us; remind us to pause and be centered in You as we relate to each other. Spirit of the living God, guide us with wisdom and equip us with the needed tools to do the work of reconciliation for which we are called. Thanks and praise to you, forgiving and gentle God! Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, here on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name.  AMEN 

 

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too! 

Love and Light,
Carol

Ridgeview Mennonite Church

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend." jd