Hospice Worker Finds the Blessings

With my arms outstretched and my hands reaching towards the sky, this morning I asked, "How may I serve today?"

And then I went to work. 

And as I went through the halls, I saw an elderly priest on his way to visit his sister. He told me it was a sad time for him, so I asked him if I could walk with him. It wasn't far, but I wanted him to know that for this part of his journey, he was not walking alone. 

A little later, a patient's best friend saw me and the look on her face told me she was distraught. I went to her and sensed her heavy heart. She has been by her best friend's side for months and now her own mother is in the hospital. I was with her as her tears fell and as we prayed for her mother, she knew she was not alone. 

I sat with a friend as they confided their sorrow at not being able to help every single person who needed them. It's a real thing when you work in hospice...you want to help everyone and are compelled to sacrifice for the greater good.

Later, as I tackled the enormous task of decorating the hospice facility with wreaths on every door, Christmas trees with countless feet of tangled white lights (half of which weren't working), centerpieces and poinsettias, tablecloths, ribbons and bows, I felt afraid that I wouldn't measure up. Thankfully, volunteers stepped in and took charge of a large portion of the work. I sighed with such relief as I moved onto the next mountain. 

 A co-worker and friend joined me and we unwound miles of lights that were no longer working from that one pre-lit tree. Ugh, our shoulders hurt. Our backs hurt. My hands are raw from the needles on the trees. My arms are screaming from their own weight and my legs buckle like wet noodles. I give up!

But then a funny thing happened. I thought of the people we are honoring - of each and every person with families who are navigating life in a new way and with stories yet untold - and at that moment I found myself overwhelmed by the universal love that we all share. So I pressed on and finished the task at hand.

And tonight, after rush hour traffic and as the sun was setting, I asked in a quiet prayer, "How did I serve today? Did we do ok?" 

And I was shown my walk with the priest. 

My prayer with the best friend. 

Helping a nurse who needed an extra set of hands. 

Encouraging a friend who cannot single-handedly save the world. 

I was shown volunteers who had perfect timing. 

Friends and co-workers who smiled and shared a kind word. 

And the answer was clear: 

We are all here to serve. 

And to serve each other. 

To share the work. 

To lend a hand. 

To hold a hand. 

To hug a hurt. 

We are here to be the love we need. 

And to serve with love in our hearts. 

And to be the person who reminds you

That you truly never walk alone.