Starting on Wednesday, I have been the on call chaplain at Lutheran Village, my CPE site. Last night, or should I say, this morning (4AM!), the phone finally rang. This was a call that I was expecting. One of the very first residents that I met at Lutheran Village had (as the staff says,) expired. Fist of all, I was surprised how many other cars there were on the road at 4am.
I ended up sitting with the sister of the deceased for almost two hours. My supervisor has been drilling into us the idea that "being present" as a form of ministry is more important than any of the words that we might say. I'll admit, I have been a little skeptical. However, in the two hours that I sat with this woman, we probably did not exchange more than 100 words. In fact, although I introduced myself as a chaplain, I functioned as more of a go-between for the sister and the medical staff. After the funeral home had come and taken away the body, the sister and I walked to her car. Before we parted ways, she gave me a huge hug and told me how grateful she was that I had been there with her. Maybe there is something to "a ministry of presence."
One of the well-worn phrases in Christianity (and Judiam, apparently) is, "God works in mysterious ways." apparently, that applies to me as well. God works mysteriously, through me.
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2 comments:
"Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words." - St. Francis of Assisi
pjh
Well we wanted to be sassy, but have thought better of it (told the caffine buzz to shut up) all we will say is check your ordinal spelling. I would have to forgive you since you were ripped out of bed at 4am. I understand the pain and sorrow of departing such a comforting surrounding. Too bad you had to get up and drive, here in Kansas you are issued a pair of ruby slippers to get around after being a resident for 6 weeks. It is hush hush, but if you know people who know people this can happen after the 6 week trial period.
Finally, God does work in mysterious and wonderous ways. I know that just having someone else in the room so you are not facing death alone is very important. It doesn't even have to be anyone you know, but when the big door swings open it's a good thing to have a team, an amigo, a buddy, a compadre, your posse, a blest dog, a friend with you. Whew. One more day down, many challenges to cause more thought provoking mysteries.
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