No Autograph Needed

Feeling like a celebrity is fun.  I have worked for a local internal medicine doctor for several years. I recently quit to pursue better health and work on some family issues. I periodically go back to work to cover for the new medical secretary when she needs time off.  Yesterday I went as a patient back to the office.  It was a feel good experience inspite of my physical conditions. 

Before you start reading and think this is a bragging session, fret not.  I always bring my life experiences back to a lesson learned.

When I walked in the office, it was running wild!  I so remember those mornings....doctors running late on the schedule, phone ringing off the hook, and people lined up at the window.  It was clear that I wasn't going to be seen on time so I went behind the counter and rescheduled myself and started answering phones and questions at the window.  It was so natural. After a few minutes, all was settling down as all staff worked quickly to calm the chaos. I was complimented and it felt good. I left to return in the afternoon. 

I came back for my 2:20pm appt and was seen and left with explanations and diagnoses that explained alot about my pain. I checked out after saying good bye to staff.  When I walked into the waiting area to leave, there sat several patients I was familiar with and some that I was not familiar with.  They were so excited to see me. They smiled, spoke kindly, inquired about my new health pursuits, and wouldn't let me leave.  A couple new patients participated in the conversation and it was like they were meeting someone important. I walked out feeling good but as I sat behind the steering wheel in the parking lot, several things came to mind.  Not wanting to enjoy the feeling to the point of pride, I asked myself why would these patients care so much or express such genuine joy. Not fishing for compliments but truly asking why?  I also asked myself, "Do I treat others like they treat me?"

It became clear in my heart that everything we do, even if it's part of our job, we should reflect love.  We must take seriously the verse in Colossian 3:23 "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;" 

When I was medical secretary at the doctor's office, I loved the doctor and staff.  We were all Christians who prayed every morning prior to opening the doors that we would be light to the darkness. Some patients had rude, impatient, and sarcastic personalities.  However, God would always step in and strengthen me to smile and keep my tone quiet (which is huge for me).  Yet though we practiced patience, it was the little loving things that the patients remember.

The Lord showed me times when I took time to listen to the lonely lady share about her cats, when I wrote down website addresses for patients or copied magazine articles while the phone rang off the hook, when I prayed with a patient on the phone because she was scared because she heard her daughter was in a car accident in another state, and when I pulled out change from my purse to help pay part of a bill.  I hated when the nurse would come out of a patient room to tell me the doctor was telling a patient they have cancer. I would check them out professionally but always with tears running down my face. 

One of my last encounters with a patient that touched my heart truly affected my life. It involved an older man.  He came in the office full of attitude.  He was ill and short tempered.  I don't remember what the problem was but I remember what happened when he checked out with me.  He loudly and crossly said, "Damn I am 85 years old and healthy.  There is not a thing wrong with me. I am not even taking medicine."  He broke down and apologized for his prior rudeness.  He told me in tears that he was all alone.  His son lives in California and doesn't visit.  He has a daughter and grandchildren he loves to spend time with but they all recently moved to Ireland.  He was moved to a retirement home but the men there don't like sports or talk much.  The women are few and they are mostly sick or with someone. He said he just wants to die but he's too healthy.  My lips were pressed tight together because I thought I would just break down and cry.  I stood up and held his hand.  He left. He returned the next day to apologize for breaking down in front of me.  I once again held his hand and told him it was ok and I was glad I could listen.  I said I would remember him and pray, and I have. Especially during the holidays.

Friends, I had no profound words, advice or means to help the patients at the office.  But God showed me it was the little things that showed His love to others.  They appreciated it and thereby were excited to see me.  I don't know what I did for yesterday's patients but it obviously was something small like a smile though I could of had my hair on fire with busyness.  I was reminded how important it is to represent God's love in our everyday lives.  We as Christians need to live out real, natural, love from God, whether we feel like it or not.  It's not about feeling....it's about "whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord...".  Though I loved the attention and good feelings, I captured thoughts of pride and sought reality.  It's all about Him  - Jesus.  Besides I never saw any Paparazzi trying to take my picture...Who am I???