The Importance of Being There
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
. . . pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.—PSALM 62:8 [NIV]
Yesterday, I had worked with Susan, a hospice patient, in my role as a therapeutic musician. Her husband, who never left her side, was angry and confrontational. “I don’t like that song. Play something else,” he said harshly. Then, “I don’t like that song either.” Nothing I said or did or played on my guitar pleased him. Susan became frustrated in the process, and I left feeling discouraged. I dreaded going back today.
As I sipped my coffee, I wrote in my journal about the stress of yesterday’s encounter. God, I need courage and guidance. I’m scared. I’m frustrated. I’m angry. I don’t know if I’m the right person to help this couple. I’m not even sure I can do this job anymore.
Writing in my journal has always helped me clarify my thoughts and better cope with my frustrations and fears as I work with the sick and dying. And what I’ve come to realize is that at least for me, journaling is just another way of praying.
I wrote two full pages that morning, pouring out my heart to God, putting all my confusion, anxieties, and feelings down on the page before Him. Finally, I closed my journal, then sat in silence for a few minutes. I was ready to face the day, with a heart more at peace.
God, thank you for giving us resources to help us cope with our emotions and stress as we care for others.
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.—2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)
The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.—Proverbs 19:8 (NIV)