August 30, 2009Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers. 1 Tim 4:16
Today we chaplains held a memorial service for the over 150 patients of the hospital who have moved from death into new life over the summer. Their loved ones came and participated together in this service - a time to remember together, share together, be together, cry together, heal together.
I found myself quite awake to the grief work that was happening. From the early arrivals to the final handshake, the auditorium held more than 60 loved ones who needed to actively grieve their loss in community. They returned to the hospital and mustered up the courage to face this, together.
As I met the families, I, too, remembered their losses. I recalled holding them, praying with them, witnessing their pains and being with them in those early mornings when their loved one passed on.
Today we held a memorial service ... it was not just for "them" - it was for everyone affected by their lost loves - including us chaplains. It was healing for me, too. Living the loss - together - saves us all.
Right in this moment, how are you paying close attention to yourself and your teaching?
I just now realized. No pastoral care was offered my family at the hospital where my mother died. We were, of course, praying constantly in our hearts, and I didn't notice the lack until just now, reading your blog, Vicki! What a huge gift to the people in Spartanburg that you are there!
ReplyDeleteIn my teaching I am trying to pay close attention to a positive expectation and expressing it.