Unconditional Love
In my job, I have the privilege of working with all different types families who have various backgrounds. Some families are close and so are dysfunctional. Some are rich, some are poor. Some are educated and some have no education at all. Regardless of what people’s background consists of, we all have the choice on how we treat our family and those around us. No matter the circumstance, the fact remains everyone wants and needs love. What I’m saying is how we treat each other matters- especially when a family faces crisis. Now before I tell this story, I wanted to let you know that I have gained permission from the family that I am about to talk about. With this said, last week, I was called by an employee who just found out that the person needed open heart surgery. The employee was concerned and I believe a little scared. See, this person knew that the road ahead would be hard and painful if they went ahead with the option to do by-pass surgery. Likewise, the person also knew it was necessary. Nonetheless, after much prayer and discussion with the doctor and the family, a date was set for the surgery. As I met the family at the hospital and prayed with the patient, the spouse, brother-in-law and I went to another waiting room while the surgery was in session. After about an hour, we were joined by another one of the patients’ siblings. Then, a few minutes later another sibling came and then another one came an hour later. The two sisters and a brother were there to support the patient. What I witnessed that day was the most beautiful picture of love. During our time together there were stories told, tears shed, fears of concern displayed and with each call from the doctor a proclamation on the status of the surgery which led to a celebration. The love that radiated from this family was a picture of how Jesus loves us and how the church should love one another. I watched comfort being poured out. I heard words of encouragement when someone was scared. I saw hugs being given, I participated in prayers and watched a family stand in faith because they believed and were unified. As I am writing this newsletter, I have tears thinking about it because my heart’s desire is to see less division in this world and more love being demonstrated. My hope is that everyone shares this same hunger. Because I believe, if our main focus is to love others well, then this world will be a different place and lives will be changed. As I walked away that afternoon, I felt completely blessed. Our time together not only created a bond, but we have now adopted each other. Even though I did not know them previously, I have certainly gained a bunch of wonderful people in my life. Isn’t this something that everyone craves-special relationships? Love sure does fill our hearts and gives us joy. Just think one act of kindness can change the hearts of others by our actions. Like the family above - will you choose to be there for those who are hurting? Will you demonstrate a type of love that nobody can deny? The choice is yours!
Let all that you do be done in love.
1Corinthians 16:14
Chaplain Tracey Burns
Reflection Questions:
Are you ready to make a difference and fill someone’s heart with love - did you know it’s a choice?
Bonus: Great song (if you are interested) - When you are thankful, do you say “Thank You Lord”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQ8D2Mx7tGg