‘Friday the 13th’
I Was Thinking…
On Friday the 13th, I had my 6 month check-up with my physician. I’m not sure why I would schedule that on Friday the 13th, but nonetheless there I was having that conversation about how I need to lose more weight and keep my cholesterol below 200 (you know the drill). It is true what my doc says but it can be so difficult to do.
I went to the lab to have my blood drawn. While drawing my blood the nurse asked me the most unusual question. “Who’s Sharon”, she asked. I looked at her puzzled and said “She’s my wife, why do you ask?” “Well, your orange bracelet says ‘Prayers for Sharon’”. I had forgotten it was on my wrist. Sharon was diagnosed with kidney cancer in May of 2015 and is in a clinical trial at Emory. She is doing very well. A friend of ours had bracelets made to remind folks to pray for Sharon. I put mine upon my wrist in 2015 and have never removed it. I pray for her every day. I believe (even though I don’t understand all there is to understand about prayer) that prayer works!
The nurse finished drawing my blood and sent me with the little cup into the restroom. As I was exiting the restroom headed to the exit, the nurse called my name. She asked me to take a seat while she finished with another patient. Then she came over to where I was seated, took off her purple sanitary gloves leaned toward me and asked “May I pray for you and Sharon?” I said “Certainly!” She prayed the most wonderful prayer for us. I thanked her and was on my way. I will never forget her act of compassion and graciousness.
A simple prayer in an unexpected place and in an unexpected moment brought me face to face with the reality that God is at work in this ole world. Her act caused me to heighten my awareness of when I might do an act of compassion and grace for someone else. It gave me courage. Her faith caused my faith to be stirred. I don’t remember her exact words but I do remember her intentional care.
What can we do this week that will bring compassion, grace and encouragement into someone else’s life? I’m watching for that opportunity. I invite you to watch as well.
Always Thinking…
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