The beeping of the life-monitoring machines have become a commonplace background noise. The high-pitched whir of the ventilator somehow comforting in its constancy.
There is life still here.
The weightiness of heartbreak of families entwines with worry, hope, and prayers as I do my job around equipment on these critically ill patients in the ICU.
I wonder at what God is doing, for I have no doubt He has a plan. He is present.
My spirit many days is despondent as I return home, carrying their cares and becoming sorrowful for the loss that is touching so many people.
Footprints that have marched across my heart remain. They tenderize it.
The Bible says the day of death is better than the day of one’s birth and that it is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting; for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. And by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
I delved into these scriptures recently, searching… searching for answers.
Yet, I found only one that assuaged the pain and made me sigh in relief.
JESUS.
Jesus Is The Answer
He is the answer and the triumph over death.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven. (1 Cor 5:1-2)
I still tear up when I look into the eyes of a daughter or wife who is faced with the loss of their most precious family member. I gently wipe my patient’s head with warm water, praying silently for their healing.
The heartbroken surround me. The tragedy sometimes overwhelming.
No matter the age, race, echelon of society…we will all face these moments.
I’m so sorry.
I only have one answer. And it’s the very best I have. The very best given by God. His only Son. Jesus.
Until its my time, I will be His hands and feet. I’ll try to comfort, pray, take the very best care, and carry you and your loved one in my heart until …
10 Comments
This is such a good reminder to look to Jesus. Thanks, Laura!
Heather Hart recently posted…Slow Down and Stand In Awe
Thank you, Heather. You are a blessing.
Thank you Laura for being on the other side of the “room” (or bed in ICU.) I have been in the situation you described twice: with the passing of my mom and brother-in-law. Comfort for the family can come in the form of a smile, an answer to our questions and your compassion evident in how you go about your tasks, We get through it because of Jesus!
Debbie M. recently posted…Superstitions: Silly or Serious?
Thank you for commenting, Debbie. It’s nice to know the little things make a difference. God bless you.
This really resonated with me. I work on call in a long term acute care hospital. There are days I’m surrounded by heartbreak and carry it home with me. There are also days I’m in awe of the presence I feel from God there. Beautifully written. Thank you.
Wow. I’ll pray for you, Beth. It’s both a privilege and a little heartbreak daily. God bless you in your job as you care for patients and their families. ♡
SO true – “Jesus is the answer…for the world today” (old Andrae Crouch song)
Andrea recently posted…Treasure – Where Is Yours Today? It Should Be God!
Look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our lives
Terri recently posted…Friday Date Night Idea
Thank you for being love and comfort during such difficult times. I know to those families you are a blessing, even if things don’t work out the way you’d want them to!
Jesus is the best answer.
As one who within the last two weeks stood in an ICU room, saying goodbye to a very special man in our lives, I want to thank you for what you do. It must be so difficult day in and day out, yet we knew those in his ICU unit were watching over him well and we were comforted by that.
Kristi recently posted…I Found a Love Letter Written For You
Remember: From our side of the computer screen, we can’t see your tears. We can’t see your beautiful smile. We can’t hear the emotion behind your words or the tone of your voice. All we get are your words. Write them with love.