Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Gratitude Challege Day 16: Kindness



Today I'm sitting in a hospital room with my mom and daughter. My grandfather has been here for 24 days. Unfortunately his labs and what not are improving, but he isn't. The infection he's been fighting is finally gone. Only he isn't doing better. He's just tired. So, we wait. We think we know what we are waiting for, but only God truly knows. It's in His hands and His timing alone.

This isn't an eloquent post. It isn't fancy or edited pretty. I honestly don't have time to look for many quotes like I would like. But, my heart tells me that I need to sing praises today.

My gratitude goes to those helping care for him. My mom is a nurse (as well as previously being a first grade teacher), so I've grown up understanding the sacrifice and diligence that goes with this sometimes thankless job. When you are in a doctor's office or hospital take the time to say thank you to the nurse! Say thank you to the techs. Say thank you to the people who clean or those in security. Their jobs are often thankless, and they see grieving more than most.

My gratitude goes to the other families who take the time to nod or smile, say a kind hello, or hold an elevator door. They are most likely having a stressful time as well. Take the time to say thank you.

My gratitude goes to the Lord, for I know that no matter what is in store my faith - and my grandfather's faith - is in Him. With Him all things are possible. With Him our future is secure. With Him we have no wants or needs. Sing praises. :)

Go hug someone. :)

For God so loved the ME AND YOU that He gave His one and only Son for US so that when WE believe in HIM we have everlasting life. John 3:16 (Stephanie version!)

6 comments:

Catherine said...

I'm sorry to read about your grandfather. I will keep you all in my prayers. And thank you for all the kind things you said about nurses. In my previous life I was a nurse. =)
A little bit of kindness goes a long way.

Unknown said...

Praying peace and joy for you in this journey!

Thank you for mentioning nurses. My man is one and it is most often a dirty, thankless job!

Stacie said...

My thoughts and prayers are still with you and your family. You are so right about thanking the "support system" that we find in our medical facilities.

I love your version of the scripture, by the way.

Take care and remember to cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you.

Our Homeschool Reviews said...

I hope he starts to get better soon. Thankfully the infection is gone. It is in God's hands!

Anonymous said...

Stephanie,

This is my first time visiting your blog, and don't worry, I still think you have a nice blog here (smiles).

I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather. My father was ill two years ago with cancer and fought that for awhile, but he eventually passed. It was a difficult time. Plus, my mother currently has some illnesses that I must deal with daily, so I know it's not easy when a loved one is sick, and when the hospital becomes a "second home." Been there, done that. I'll be praying for you.

I also enjoyed reading the rest of our post about thanking others who have "thankless jobs." I think this is a very important lesson. I needed this reminder, thank you.

Anyway, I didn't mean to "write a book" for my first comment here. I will be following your blog. You are welcomed to come and visit my blog when you have the chance.

Take care, and I'll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Blessings,

-Lady Rose

Steph @ Wild Crickets said...

I'm so glad to hear about all of the nurses out there! They truly are a good breed, and hospice nurses are definitely performing a mission. We were blessed beyond measure by the staff at the hospital this week. I'm so grateful for them!

Thanks, Lady Rose, for the "book." I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope that you continue to read and comment. My email is on the blog if you ever want to contact me that way as well! I'm sorry to hear that your mother is ill. Saying a prayer for her - and you - as well. I'm glad to have you, and thanks for all the beautiful thoughts!