Tonight has been a rough night. I've been on-call here at the hospital. We've had two of the worst scenarios. The first was a 6-yr boy killed in an accident with a gun. The second was a stillbirth. It seems that I've dealt with a lot of people lately who have experienced shock. Shock is awful. People often say that they are going crazy or having a break-down. You can't say much to someone in shock because they are not in a position to process much complexity. Ironically, what little they do hear, they tend to remember the rest of their lives (same way people always remember where they were when Kennedy was shot or 9/11). I would like to report that I generally say something very godly and affirming in those impressionable moments, but that is not the case. I dread the "why" questions. How do you address that complexity with someone in shock? I have learned that if I just put my hand on them, hug them, make some physical gesture of sympathy, and keep my mouth shut, they accept it.
Some problems don't solve. I used to absolutely hate the realization, after tirelessly working on jigsaw puzzle, that some of the pieces are missing. I guess, for a long time, I assumed that if I took on the mission of serving others, somewhere between me and God, the problem would get solved. I think the point is that God is calling us to commit to be apart of other's lives. It ends up being a long-term commitment. I get so much more enthused about helping many people in the short-term than helping a few people long-term. The beauty of problem resolution is that it gives me an out. With unsolvable problems there is no out. It demands a love that is deeper and more abiding, which demands a relationship with God that is deeper and more abiding.
It makes sense to me, that truly living as a disciple of Jesus, will entail challenge like nothing else in life. I dream that I, together with you, will accept the challenge. Christianity is not for wussies.
PS- Larry James' Blog (for a rubber meeting the road experience)
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
There's something to full moons!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
A most excellent blog you've made here, Jason. If it's okay with you, I'd like to use it in the bullletin this Sunday. Although a lot of folks may read it here, there are just as many that don't frequent the blog that need to read it too.
The only change that I would suggest is, since the full moon will be past by Sunday, the title be changed to "Christianity Is Not For Wussies." BTW, I like that quote...it brings a smile, but also begs for folks to ask about what it means. T'would make a good T-shirt slogan if you're into that kind of thing. :)
Wonderful blog, Jason. It is really pretty heart wrenching for me as I imagine what it must be like for you to go to your job everyday. You just don't know what to expect other than the obvious "disaster victim". I think it is great that you have things like golf and this blog to let out your frustrations. I am so genuinely sorry that you had such a day as yesterday!
I really liked your last comment about what Christianity...haha! It just sounds like you're in the room with me when I read words like that...hahaha! I will definately agree with the statement though. That's for sure!
Jennifer
Feel free to use it, Al, if you want. Then I can tell all my friends I used the word "butt" and "wussies" in bulletin articles. That'll fuel my climb up the social ladder.
Is there no one who does not need to turn to God? Human limitations make us rely on Him. That's the beauty of simplicity and complexity all wrapped together that puts all of us people on the same playing field. Good post Jason.
I'm glad you've got some contact with the family. I didn't actually talk with them at length, but they made a good impression. They just seemed like good people.
Post a Comment