I'm here in Virginia. It feels like fall. The leaves are changing and yesterday it drizzled all day. It was even lightly snowing in some of the areas we travelled to. It was beautiful. God's glory is all over this place. It's really very surreal. Monday morning I was in Texas - in my house with my boys and dog. Monday night I was in Virginia. Texas - big white dog laying at my feet. Virginia - black and white cat curled up at my side as I type. These two places couldn't be more opposite. And yet, both feel like home. I like that.
Today we're going to be talking to a classroom full of nursing students at Shenandoah University. I think there are 24 students in this class. The class is "Spirituality in Nursing". It's taught by my friend, Vickie. I know absolutely nothing about nursing. And the more I think about it I don't know much about spirituality. I only know that God pulls at my heart. I know He longs for me to be His. I know He forgives me when I act like I'm not.
So what do I have to say to 24 nursing students that could make a difference in their lives and the lives of those they will care for. If I speak to them of my personal experiences with nurses I only have two real incidences to draw from. The first - abortion, and the second - giving birth. Interestingly enough they occurred at completely different times in my spiritual life. When I had the abortion I was 19 and I had completely walked away from God. When I had Max I was on the road back to Him. He was wooing me. The two experiences were starkly different. In the first case, I was a number in a roomful of women on guerneys waiting my turn. I don't remember anyone speaking directly to me. In the second case, I was a person - more importantly, a mother. There was respect and care given, as if I were someone very important. I wonder what difference it would have made in my life had I encountered someone, perhaps a nurse, that could have touched my soul with a word or even an actual touch. I wonder if these young women understand the incredible power they will wield as they go about "nursing". I pray that God will use us (Lynette and I) today to try to give them a vision of His vision. I find it so interesting that God would use Lynette and I to talk to nursing students - we couldn't be more different than them. Again - opposites. I love how God works.
4 comments:
Candy,
Some days I have trouble seeing God's vision for me as a nurse. This was one of those days. As I study for my test tomorrow after a long hard week I wonder if this is really where God wants me. Thank you for the words.
Sarah
Candy,
I hope your retreat is going well! You and Lynette have been in my prayers this week. I know that this probably is the farthest thing from your mind, but say a little prayer for our Eagles! I love you both bunches! I know God is being glorified through you both.
You have such a powerful story of redemption to tell Candy.
Your healing, God's grace and love, and beauty are are woven together.
Thank you for sharing your story - it is a gift to us.
Sarah - I pray that God will show you clearly His vision for your life. You have such potential in this position of nurse to touch lives and heal in more ways than one.
Lauren - thanks my friend. Your prayers were apparent.
Steph - Tip of the iceburg, my friend. Thank you for your sweet words.
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