Hospitals are places of healing and care.   They are also places of anxiety and pain.  The two seem like opposites, how can this be.

I was reminded of this enigma, as we prepared for a visit to the hospital today.  The procedure will not be lengthy and we will head home before the day is over.  Yet, there is still a bit of anxiety that walks through the doors with us.  You’ve all been there.  Will the surgery go smoothly?  Do I have the best doctor?  Will the outcome be as successful as we hope?  Don’t forget the “waiting room,” that silent room with uncomfortable chairs where people sit together but each lost in his own thoughts and worries.  Chit chat is rare.  Then the nurse enters to call our name.  Yes, now it is our turn and somebody cares about our concerns.   We follow her and soon caring persons surround us.  They get us ready both physically and emotionally with smiles and kind words.   It’s going to be OK.

Perhaps our life’s journey is a bit like this.   We’re surrounded by anxiety about the world around us and about our personal well-being.   Sometimes we cope, sometimes it’s overwhelming.   But then we look up.  Someone is calling our name, the Almighty God who knows each of us by name.   He will lead us through the next step of our journey.  It may not be an easy step, but He will comfort us and walk with us every moment of the way.   We keep our eyes on His unconditional love and we know it’s going to be OK.

David reminds us of this comfort presence of healing and care.   ”The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. . . “  Psalm 23:1-6

Judy