The Blessings Of Being Present

The Blessings Of Being Present

The Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes. Revelation 7:17

Last year, our rehab unit placed first in the company for patient satisfaction. After the news was released, I wanted to find out more, so I started asking the employees, “Why are patients so happy with their care here?”

Their answers were very similar.

“We’re a family. We take care of our patients just like they’re a part of our own family.”

“We’re a close-knit group here.”

“Everyone works together—the nurses, therapists, aides, housekeepers, dieticians, and pharmacists.”

I beamed with pride as each person I asked told me a story about how someone else had lived up to this very high standard. I was surrounded by a group of humble do-gooders. Not one person thought our unit received the award because of something he or she had personally done. These people were living examples of Jesus’ command to do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

To me, it was an up-close look at how being like Jesus starts with the smallest kindnesses done for the least among us. I was inspired by stories of a housekeeper who brought water to a thirsty patient even though it wasn’t his job and of a nurse who stayed a few minutes past the end of her shift to listen while an elderly stroke victim, who had trouble getting his words out as he talked, described his last fishing trip.

Life-giving water not only quenches our thirst in the moment, but it gives life to everything it touches. In this busy world, we can often miss the blessing of giving and receiving God’s life-giving water. Slowing down can be a refreshing oasis from our overscheduled world, but it can also be used to refresh someone else. The blessings found in taking time to wipe the tears from our neighbor’s eyes and having a cup of coffee together are the very things that God can use to refresh our weary souls.

TODAY’S RX

Make it a point today to slow down and connect with other people. The person you help might be you.

Jesus, I take such comfort in knowing that someday you will wipe every tear from my eyes. Help me to display this same affection for others and comfort them in their times of need.