Short-Term Independence

Recently life at my house has changed. During December my dad underwent open heart surgery. He pulled through fine and has made great strides in his recovery. He is eighty, so, his recovery time is slower. However, my mom has had to adjust her schedule and learn to do a few things on her own. Years ago she learned how to pump gas, but, as my parents have purchased a new car last December, she didn't know exactly where the gas cap was located. On one of the occasions she had to drive home, pumping gas was a requirement, and she did just fine. It took my sister helping her but she still did fine. 

Among other things my mother has learned that writing checks is a necessity in paying bills. Granted my mom can write checks all day long if need be, but she hasn't been in charge of paying the bills in a few years. Another one of the things she excels at but was hesitant to do. 

Years ago, when my dad left our family my mom had to learn to become slightly independent, however, she did not like it very much. Many women in our society are not independent and there is nothing wrong with it but it does make things harder for these less than independent women when the man of the house leaves or suddenly dies. 

It was a learning experience for my mom and this time around is no different. She has learned where the gas cap release button is in the car and where the gas cap is. She has learned that in our society she has to be aware that paying at the pump is necessary. You either pay with your credit card, ATM card or just plain old fashion cash. You pay before you pump gas because thievery has become rampant in our society. Gas thieves are everywhere. Mom is not defenseless in anyway, however, learning these new things are good for her. One day, hopefully not in the near future, she will either be alone again or rely on one of us kids to take care of the normal every day things for her. I wouldn't mind to do that for my mom but I actually prefer for her to know how to do these things on her own. So I am in favor of slight independence for women, young and old alike. 

Women are sometimes overly independent in our society today. But women should be prepared to do things that their husbands normally do, like, pumping gas or writing checks to pay bills. My mom wouldn't do well with online banking but she does know how to work a computer and yes, they do have a slightly newer model. Any way back to my musing, women, get out there and learn how to do simple things that men may do for you every day. Learn that your car needs oil, gas and water to run properly. Learn where these chemicals go and why you need them. You don't need to know how to overhaul your engine or transmission but make yourself aware of the simple mechanics of your car. Routine check ups are required to keep your motor running just like routine check ups at a physicians office is required for our bodies to work properly. We and our cars are alike in many areas. Learn those simple but necessary things that your car needs to function everyday. Don't be bumfussled when a mechanic asks about your transmission or your engine. We should know simple things like how many cylinders does the car engine have? Is it a V6, V8 or small V4. Know what sort of transmission you have. Know what size tires and wheels you need when the old tires wear out. Learn all you can, Ladies. It's important. It may not interest you but it is still important. One day you may find yourself alone, whether by choice or by accident. Don't wait til that day to know how to take care of things. Learn Now. 

God leads those to us who are broken.

Most of my days are spent in a office of normal size, with normal things sitting on the desk. A computer, screen and printer. A fax machine, ample amount of paper to print things on or to send a fax with. We have organizers all around for the mixed up papers that often clutter the desk. My line of work doesn't get me posted on the front page of the paper, nor does it get any notification of grand design. I work for our local hospital and I work for our industry in our small community. What we do each day doesn't make print often if at all. It doesn't make a lot of money for our employer but thank God we are there.

Wednesday was a normal day just like any other, or it started out as such. However, within hours something would happen that would open my eyes to hurt and pain, not necessarily mine. We see many different walks of life come through our doors, we see the average Joe, we see those that have demons and addictions, we see those that are really just wondering how to pass a drug test when their lives are cluttered with drug use. We see those who are seeking help. And some of them actually are trying to get help.

Back to my story, a fellow was brought in because he was trying to get into a rehabilitation center for drug use. We have a contract with this place to draw blood and other tests. Most pass the test and are fine. A small percentage do not. It was this small percentage I happened to witness yesterday and it broke my heart to see such pain. I have no understanding of what it is like to be addicted to any drug that it controls everything I do or say. I have sympathy or empathy for those that experience this and I pray for them. But rarely do I see a person that so desperately seeks help and turned away. If you fail one test that they require, they can't take them into rehab. I saw such a person this week. On Wednesday we did the test. And as I often do I made small talk with the person on the other side of the needle that I must use to draw blood with. I recognized such a need in this person I began to pray after the patient had left my office. As I lay down for bed that night I prayed again. As I woke up the next day I prayed once more. Friday came and I was praying again. The patient came back for test results and the results were not good. This person was going to be turned away for treatment that he so desperately wanted and needed. As I stood there listening to one of the men from the facility I kept thinking to myself, why can't this guy get a break. Why can't he get totally clean. I felt a small voice in my heart speak to me, it said Go. I could not allow this man to leave our facility until I had spoken with him. I escorted the one guy back to the lobby and I walked over to this broken man, I sat down beside him and put my arm around his shoulders, as I sat there hugging this man, I told him I had been praying for him and that I would continue to pray for him. I also shared that he also needed to continue to pray and talk with God. To be strong.

I will never know if my words of comfort will make a difference in the life that was so broken or not. But I listened to the voice of God as He spoke to me as He often speaks with a small voice that nudges your heart. I hope beyond hopes that this man gets help. I hope he gets clean. and I hope that he looks to Jesus for strength to make it through another day sober and clean.

We never know what a day will bring forth. Sometimes we have happy stories, others are sad and some are inspiring and others break your heart as nothing else can. May we listen to that voice as it gently nudges our hearts the voice of God as he gently speaks to us. May we be a light to others living in darkness and may we serve others as God served on this earth. Each day brings hope to me, some, may not have that hope. I pray that the hope that lives in my heart will also be in the hearts that live with addictions or darkness. That is my story. It is one I won't forget for a while. I hope I never forget it.  I hope I always remember to listen to the still, small voice that speaks to my heart. Let me Go when  I am told.. simply to GO.