I think I am getting more wise just by working at hospice. Ok, that may not be true but I do think it helps to build a more realistic perception of life. The truth is, we are all terminal. That shouldn't be bad news, though.
I think of our lives as being on a timeline. On the left end of the timeline is a little teeny dot that represents our lives from conception to death. To the right of that dot, as far as you can see, is our life in eternity. That means that the time we are separated from our loved ones is such a tiny speck, it is almost no time at all.
For the patients who are not believers of eternal life, I understand how death could be a frightening prospect. For Christians, though, it should be thought of as a a time when we get to open the best present ever. We're human, though, and the unknown can be scary. I understand that.
I've already received a lot of comments from people who are very curious about how I can work daily with people who are dying. I will tell you that it is an honor and a pleasure to do this work! I feel very grateful for this opportunity and wish everyone had this chance.
Working with the patients is not the hardest part of the job. The part that is hard is working with the families. They are the ones for whom I have the most sympathy. Their pain is what I don't know how to treat. Their tears are the hardest to see.
I try to remember to wear a cross to work every shift. The reason I do this is so that the person who is dying, or their family and friends, will know that I am a Christian. If they want to talk about Jesus, I want them to know that I will make time to listen. Perhaps that is the most important part of my job...listening.
Thank-you for stopping by. Feel free to use my photos but please link them back to my blog. I am honored if you wish to share content of any of my posts on Facebook, Twitter, etc. as long as it is linked back to my blog.
I think of our lives as being on a timeline. On the left end of the timeline is a little teeny dot that represents our lives from conception to death. To the right of that dot, as far as you can see, is our life in eternity. That means that the time we are separated from our loved ones is such a tiny speck, it is almost no time at all.
For the patients who are not believers of eternal life, I understand how death could be a frightening prospect. For Christians, though, it should be thought of as a a time when we get to open the best present ever. We're human, though, and the unknown can be scary. I understand that.
I've already received a lot of comments from people who are very curious about how I can work daily with people who are dying. I will tell you that it is an honor and a pleasure to do this work! I feel very grateful for this opportunity and wish everyone had this chance.
Working with the patients is not the hardest part of the job. The part that is hard is working with the families. They are the ones for whom I have the most sympathy. Their pain is what I don't know how to treat. Their tears are the hardest to see.
I try to remember to wear a cross to work every shift. The reason I do this is so that the person who is dying, or their family and friends, will know that I am a Christian. If they want to talk about Jesus, I want them to know that I will make time to listen. Perhaps that is the most important part of my job...listening.
Thank-you for stopping by. Feel free to use my photos but please link them back to my blog. I am honored if you wish to share content of any of my posts on Facebook, Twitter, etc. as long as it is linked back to my blog.
7 comments:
I am happy that you feel called to do this job that so many would find extremely difficult.
Yes, that would be very difficult, seeing the families in pain like that. I know hospice is a great gift to people and their families toward the end, gives a lot of closure and comfort during the process. Thank you for doing this job for these families.
You are amazing and wonderful, Sue, and I think you are just where God wants you to be. What a beautiful post. {{Hugs!}}
Susan,
You know your God, you know His truth, you hands are full of mercy and love...God sends his best gifts wrapped in people. First and only - Jesus...and then, Jesus through us.
Lovely post!
Blessings at every turn, with every hurting family.
Jojo
What a beautiful post! Thanks for sharing your heart and passion with us. :)
You and I see the end of life on this earth the same way. Unfortunately it is a hard concept to wrap your mind around. People are just uncomfortable facing their mortality. But once you do, for Christians it is a very comforting thing. For me it isn't death that I fear, it's the process of dying, of not being able to care for my own needs or control my environment. But being dead, thats a day to look forward to.
Great post, and I second everything that the others who commented said. It is so good to be called and led to do something, and to do it with everything you have for His glory. I know this is what you are doing every day. Blessings to you, my friend!
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