December 2019 Spiritual Posting by Rev. Bill Charles

SPIRITUAL POSTING, December, 2019, from Rev. Bill Charles

I’m seeing more physicians, physical therapists, and other medical professionals these days than I would like. Mind you, they’re friendly and efficient, but it’s a bit of a drag anyway. I pay attention to what they say, though. If I do, my bum knee is less likely to stay bum.

At one of my recent appointments, I noticed at 2019 Ballad Health calendar. I skimmed through it and found some good stuff. Here are some samples of what their personnel shared throughout the year:

“The most important tools I have are my eyes and ears.” F. Ellison Conrad, MD (Ophthalmology)

“If you listen, people will tell you their story and provide you with an opportunity to help fill a need.” Lynn Monahan (Auxiliary)

“I pray every morning that God will provide me with the means to treat my patients with the utmost respect and to listen and honor each patient as best I can.” Janie McGlocklin, RN (Perioperative Service)

The above quotes remind me of Paul’s teaching in I Corinthians 12: “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.” (NIV) The following quote—my favorite one in the calendar—reminds me of portions Matthew 25: “Caring is not often one grand act, but rather the sum of several small acts which are often not even recognized as significant by the ones who perform them. Most often, it is the things that happen in between daily tasks, the acts that come from a place of empathy and humanity, that mean the most to people and make them feel truly cared for.” Emily Boucher, RN (Critical Care)

In Matthew 25, Jesus recounts seemingly modest deeds of kindness to include the cup of water given to one in need, an act easily forgotten or dismissed. At the last judgment, those who have helped the “least of these” have indeed helped Christ Jesus himself. They never noticed. Kindness had become so much a part of who they were that is was business as usual. Let us work to that end: doing good becoming business as usual. God help us!

Picture: The 2019 Ballad calendar features quotes and pictures of twelve its varied employees. The December page features RN Emily Boucher.

Prayer: God, the health care industry is not perfect, but many of us owe that industry a lot: increased mobility, clearer minds, and reduction in pain to name a few. Help us to put these benefits to the good of others less fortunate than we. And when our health care professionals fall short, give them enhanced and renewed commitment to their callings while giving us forgiving spirits. Thank you, God. Amen.