Drowning In Tears And Compassion

Drowning In Tears And Compassion

My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long. Psalm 71:7-8

Kurtis and I had been in the same practice years ago. Recently, he and his wife came over for dinner, and we shared memories of the days we’d worked together in the ER.

“You taught me a lot of things when I was working with you,” Kurtis said. “But do you know what the most important thing was that you taught me?”

As I tried to think back through twenty years of cases, Kurtis said, “I’ll give you a hint. It happened the day that baby drowned.”

There had been several children who had drowned over the years I’d practiced medicine in that rural ER, but I distinctly remembered the one he was referring to. A baby, in full cardiac arrest, had been brought in after being rescued from a pond. But despite our best efforts, the Lord had taken this precious baby back into his bosom that day.

“I’m stumped,” I said. “Everything we tried that day was pretty much standard procedure. I can’t think of anything new or unusual.”

“It’s what happened after the baby died that stuck with me,” Kurtis said. “What you showed me had nothing to do with medicine and everything to do with practicing medicine.”

“What do you mean?”

“You sat down with those young parents, held their hands, and looked them right in their tear-filled eyes. Then you explained that God had their baby. I remember the wife sobbing on your shoulder, and the father crying into his hands. You reached out to touch him and gave him physical comfort. When their crying slowed, you reminded them that this wasn’t anyone’s fault. Then you asked them to pray with you. I’ll always remember the part of your prayer where you said that each day from that day forward would bring all of us closer to the day of reunion with our loved ones who had gone on before us.”

I had no idea that I’d made such an impression on Kurtis. I could only give God the glory for being present at that moment and prompting my actions. As today’s verse says, he is our strength and protection.

TODAY’S RX

Live out your faith even in the most difficult situations; you never know who might be watching you.

Father, may my faith radiate through my words and actions. May I be a source of comfort to those in need, embracing them in your truth and enfolding them in your love.