Picture: Jesus In Perfect Service
Being a patient in a hospital reminds one of the importance of the ideal of service. There are perhaps few situations in life in which you are least able to do for yourself as post-op. Supine in a bed, hooked up to various IVs and electrodes, reliant upon nurses and other healthcare providers for everything the body needs.
I have now had four such hospital experiences in the past eight months. It has been interesting to observe the effects of health care staff upon patients, including myself. Overall, it has been impressive to see the care and expertise that has been evident, however it has not all been equally excellent.
Those nursing staff, the primary caregivers in hospitals, who are positive, friendly, caring, and conscientious have, by far, the best effects. Those who carry into their work the toxicity of their own lives, negative and sharp edged, are a detriment to their patients. Like the famed driving of Mr. Magoo who drives his car when he is almost blind–causing mayhem wherever he goes and is seemingly oblivious of it–these servants of health also seem to be unaware or uncaring of the health effects they deliver with tainted attitudes. Those in this category are relatively few in number, but they leave an impression that lingers far after their interactions.
It is a brisk reminder of the importance of right service in all stations of life. Wherever God has delivered you, you are in His service. It may be the work that you do, the family you raise, the conversations you have with others, or lending an extra helping hand when needed. We have thousands of opportunities for service all through the day. Even if you do not go out at all, your very thoughts act as prayers and are in service to the Infinite.
When I was in the waiting rooms, when I went into surgery, in post-op recovery, I prayed for those around me and all through the hospital. It was a service I could do for Him. In conversation with staff and other patients when walking the corridors I always made it a point to be positive and uplifting, injecting humor when I could to keep things light.
Master said, “Be a smile millionaire,” Papa said, “See God in everyone you meet,” Mother Hamilton said, “Keep your mind on God,” Mother Teresa said, “Do something beautiful for God,” Swami Satchidananda said, “Expand your circle of love daily,” Jesus said, “What you have done to the least of these, you have done to me.” These great one’s in God remind us that every day we can directly do something to improve this world.
In life everyone has cares that can load them down. Living a life of service carries with it built-in Grace; you feel unburdened through your right attitude. Now love and joy glow at the heart of your service and you are sustained by an all-pervading power. In perfect service you discover one of the great secrets in living a truly successful life.
Health Update: On Friday I had a successful operation that removed a tumor on my liver and the gall bladder. The tumor was self contained and so less of the liver was removed than originally planned. The gall bladder had many more gallstones than thought and emphasised the need to have it removed.
Day zero is operation day; Carla asked if I might be released by day 2, Sunday. The head nurse looked at Carla and said skeptically, “We’ll see.” Sure enough by Sunday I had met all the criteria the doctor has set out for release and blessedly went home. The discharge nurse said she had never seen anyone released that early after such an operation. A result, I am sure, in response to your continued prayers.
Recovery is continuing on very well. I thank those who have brought meals and sent flowers and sent messages–I receive all the love that is behind them. It is an unusual sensation to have 10 inches of staples charting a course under my right ribcage, but lends a compliment to the 8 inch vertical line from the previous surgery (that surgeon used super glue, not staples to keep my insides inside!). I am walking daily and doing some exercises so that I will be fit and fine for performing the wedding for Phyllis and John that I am so looking forward to in a week and a half. Pronams, my deepest love and blessings to you.