(Come Monday, I'll be all alone - on my own!)"P" DAY - UPDATE #1
Today was "P" Day - Pastoral Care Day. It was my first day "on-the-job" as a volunteer in the pastoral care department of our local hospital. It was a training day and I was on the front line - up close and personal with patients. I shadowed a pastoral associate who has been visiting the sick for six years. It was baptism by immersion.
I followed this gentleman into room after room as he approached patients, introduced himself, and prayed with them. He had prayers memorized and had his approach well thought out. I was quite impressed. I was busy comparing my skills to his or as I saw it, my lack of skills (old behavior) rather than identifying those I possess. I didn't have prayers at my fingertips as he did, but I have prayed with people in and outside of AA for many years.
I shadowed him for about two hours including visiting every bed in the emergency room. Then it was my turn for him to observe me. I felt so terribly inadequate to the task, but there was no where to run, no where to hide, so I did what I have learned in all my years in AA......I just did the best I could.
I put a smile on my face as I introduced myself to people and explained who I was. I established and maintained eye contact and prayed "from the heart" when they so desired. I know the praying will become more natural with practice. What an experience.
Monday, I'll be totally on my own. I just pray there is no emergency like "code blue", someone coming off life support, or death. I must remind myself that I'm powerless over what comes my way, remember God is in charge, and ask God to help me before I even begin.
Hey, blogging team, I sure could use your prayers again - THANKS!
Prayer Girl
13 comments:
Your spirit will come through, it does in your blogs and I am grateful to read your posts all the time! You have my prayers, and you know that your love and your spirit is what the people you work with will see and that is so much more than many are willing to share. You are amazing to me! Thank you for doing this work too! I am always grateful for those who do this work and you have prayers coming from me.
Love,
G
Fish swim.
Birds fly.
Cats rule.
Runners run.
Violinists play violin.
Prayer Girl prays...it's what Prayer Girls do!
How come you got no comments. Is anyone out there reading this?
God bless you. That is tough duty. I know you will be up to it. I will say a prayer, Prayer Girl.
you have my prayers. and i think you'll do just great!
PrayerGirl, My first prayer of the day will be for you. I know you can do this and you will be an amazing gift to many people at a time when they need you most.
I think you are amazing. You have my prayers Prayer Girl!
I just love all the "good" you do for so many people. You inspire me daily. Hugs from Houston.
I'm not as much a "prayer" as I am a "thinker." I'm always thinking about God (always) and thinking about my friends that need God's help. Is that adequate? I will have you on my mind as you go about your training. You're going to be fine. Kind of reminds me of old school AA with Bob and Bill visitng the drunks in the hospital. Just try to channel some of Bob's energy. That'll help you!
One more thing: Have Steve get you a necklace with the serenity symbol (AA triangle) on it. That way the patients can see it and maybe you might meet a few drunks while you're there! You just never know...
You are amazing.
bless ya for the work you are doing girl. i'll pray for you
I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; a stranger, and you clothed me; ill, and you cared for me; in prison and you visited me. "When?" we ask. Whatever you do for the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you do for me.
--Matthew 25: 35-40
You are a walking testimony. Prayers for you!
You GO, Prayer Girl! As with yourself, today was my first day solo, and I did sweat. Visited about 9 rooms tonight not including ICU and the ER. I did quite a bit of praying, but not near as scripted or flowing as my mentor. I like yourself WILL do better, because it is Christ working through us, all we need is some practice. I have done a lot of things in and out of the church, but nothing like this. I'm glad He chose me (and you) for this ministry.
BBlessed, Steve B.
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