Something to be Thankful For

If you haven't thanked God for the health of your precious children in the midst of all the business and preparation this week here is something that will remind you of what a tremendous blessing their health is. Right now there are so many families with children in their little hospital rooms who can't go home for the holidays. There are so many things that you CAN do to relieve a little of their discomfort - call the hospitality house nearby and offer to bring or fix a hot meal for the families there, or just donate enough to provide free lodging for one night. Bring cookies to a waiting room. Pray. Even if you don't know anyone in the hospital, you can still bring those sick and hurting souls before His throne. It really isn't that difficult or time consuming to get involved and bring comfort to a few people who will probably never be able to express their gratitude - but trust me, they appreciate every bit of comfort and personal touch that comes their way during those dark hours.


This was beautifully written by my second cousin, Chrissy Martin, after working a particularly difficult shift in the Peds ICU: (reprinted here with her permission)



Slow, steady heartbeat.
Breathe.
Dark. Empty. Silent.

They drop all around me,
ripping and tearing their families hearts as they fall.
Crashing, crushing, burning.
Dying.

I float through untouched, protected.
Not really here.
Myself. Alone.
Like a Shadow.
A spirit -- benevolent but cold.

But a single image, unexpectedly caught, brands my heart.
Mother and baby say goodbye,
both in daddy's arms, all three much too young.
Bathed in the glow of a dying sun,
a timeless picture of love and peace is marred
by the black evil of this reality in which we live.

It sears my mind
and ruthlessly jerks me out of my cloud of oblivion.
It floods my soul with the previously distant present
and the familiar chill of helpless pain.
I struggle feebly
to crawl back,
But I can't seem to find my way.

Slow, steady heartbeat.
Breathe.
Dark. Empty. Silent.