Daily Devotions - Monday, June 23

Feeling at Home

“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”
--From the prophet Isaiah, 41:10

The word of the Lord to Isaiah, and all the people of God in general, bids us to have no fear. Fear visits us when we are caught in unexpected situations, in unfamiliar places and it can cause us to make inaccurate assessments. It is good to remember that patients, families and friends who come to a hospital can feel terribly intimidated and overwhelmed. Fear can dominate their inner being. Active listening to the feelings of those who are visiting us is very important, almost a prerequisite for quality caregiving. We are at ease in this place because we labor here, but others may not be. Here is a story that illustrates the fears people may have and the way a caregiver lessened the fear:

A lady came to the hospital to visit a friend. She had not been in a hospital for several years. She felt uneasy and a bit overwhelmed by all the new technology. A technician followed her onto the elevator, wheeling a large, intimidating looking machine with tubes and wires and dials. “Boy, would I hate to be hooked up to that
thing,” she said. “So would I,” said the technician. “It’s a floor-cleaning machine.”

Be aware that our “at home-ness” with this place may not be the same “at home-ness” of those who visit us. Have a good week in our home away from home.

--Ben Keckler
06.23.08

Editor’s note: Mr. Keckler serves as a hospital Director of Chaplaincy in the greater Indianapolis area.