Grace and Gratitude

A friend was in the hospital, sick with we knew not what, and the doctors were running all kinds of tests trying to figure out a diagnosis. Since there seems to be fewer nurses taking care of more patients, I spent quite a bit of time sitting with my friend performing many little tasks for her. Of course one of the great benefits of spending time with someone is that you become aware of the subtle changes in them. I am a nurse so I've been trained to look for physical as well as emotional changes when caring for someone.

While bathing my friend, I noticed that one of her arms was somewhat bigger than the other. It was the same arm that had her IV, but the swelling was in the upper part of her arm and the IV was close to her wrist. It made little sense for the problem to be the IV but I mentioned it to her nurse, just in case, and they moved the IV to the other arm.

The next day, the arm was still swollen perhaps a bit more than before. I called the nurse to come look at the arm. She was probably getting a tad agitated with me; no one likes to be told how to do their job and most people feel that pointing out missed observations is, perhaps, a criticism. I also pointed it out to the doctor when he came in. He blew me off so I mentioned the arm to every medical and/or staff person that entered my friend's room. They finally did some testing on the arm and found the problem - a tumor in the arm pit. Not good news for my friend except the tumor was small and hadn't spread. They removed it easily and totally.

I was so happy for my friend and was thrilled that I had noticed the subtle signs of what could have turned into a life threatening condition. There was great joy within me. I was excited that I had been observant and persist ant about my findings. Yet, I couldn't really talk about the joy and excitement. I'd look like a braggart. I had all this happiness and no place to put it. Rather like the saying, "All dressed up with nowhere to go." I could feel my sky-high feelings begin to deflate long before I had experienced and examined them.

The next person that asked about my friend I spoke with honestly. I began telling her that I wasn't being egotistical or congratulating myself, it was just a really cool thing for me and... and... and.... I was faltering, trying to explain what was happening when she interrupted me by saying, "What you are feeling is gratitude for God's grace. A potential calamity was avoided because you used the gifts that God gave you to help another human being. There is awe and wonder in the excitement you feel, I can see it in your face. Tell God about your feelings. He never tires of hearing about when one of His children discovers the joy, excitement, thrill and gratitude that comes with having Him on your team. Thank Him for using you and your gifts to His purpose."

And she was correct. Even though this experience was a few years ago and I've had similar experiences since then, I still enjoy talking about this one with God. I don't get tired of being glad and grateful for the gifts He has given me and He doesn't get tired hearing about it. He listens every time.

Have a good and sober day.