My wife recently had outpatient surgery. However, that’s not the story. This story is about misconceptions. Mainly mine. I was always taught two things by my parents when you were going to the hospital. First, clean underwear is a must. Secondly, be nice. Especially in this day and age, that one should be a sure-fire “Best Practice,” don’t you think? Well, The Other Day…, while the medical professionals were doing their job of prepping my wife for her surgery, I discovered something I don’t see too often when I’m out and about. Here’s what happened.
When my wife and I are nervous, we have a tendency to joke around a lot or make fun of ourselves. My wife and I apologized for joking so much, and explained that we were just nervous. The person who was checking her in informed us that we were a lot better than some of the people they had been getting in there of late. Yes, I bit. I asked her, “People aren’t mean when they come in, are they?” As she went on to explain her answer, I wish you could have seen her face. It was as if she were disappointed in all of mankind. If she wasn’t, I was. I don’t get what people are doing to other people these days, especially those who are only doing the best they can to help us with whatever tools they have in their toolbox.
Right then and there, I told myself that I was not only going to pray for my wife’s safe recovery (which she had by the way), but I would also pray for all the healthcare professionals, for all they’ve been through this year. It has been a critically difficult year for many, many people, but especially the health care workers, who are constantly battling to save every life they come across.
However, I believe I do understand the common person’s point of view as well. Over two years ago, we began a journey that no population should have to transverse through. It seems like we are finally coming through to the other side now, although it has been like dealing with a tornado, an earthquake, and a typhoon, all at the same time. Those of us who have followed directions and have done what we were told to do throughout this ordeal, struggle with the fact that many, many people have chosen a different direction. They don’t seem to understand that, like it or not, we are all in this together. So, hearing that young woman say that not all people are nice when they come in to be treated really surprised my wife and I.
In case you are wondering, I did pray for my wife and for the medical staff. I also prayed for the people who are having a hard time and don’t know what to do next, other than lash out and demand things, whether they need them or not. While sitting here, I thought about what I would say to the Lord my God, and I came up with this:
Let us take you down to where those peaceful waters flow
May you receive the knowledge that would help you grow
Should you feel as if you are lost in the dark
and there is a tremendous weight on your heart
Let us take you down to where those peaceful waters flow
Should you need a hand to understand what you see
Don’t be afraid to reach out and talk with me
I may not always understand what you are going through
But God, our ultimate redeemer, has faith in you
Let Him guide you down to where the peaceful waters flow.
Until next time, know that if you need it, or even if you don’t, I am praying for my fellow men, women, and children. Remember, we are all in this crazy mixed-up world together, and we should continue doing our best at all times. I’ll pray for you! MUH!!
