Thanks, Dad

People's reactions to my job often include a comment about all the death I see. Working in a nursing home, death does occur, but that doesn't mean it's a negative job. Actually, I love it!

One of the worst parts of my job is not death, it's the fact that people suffer and would prefer death over life. But what I am impressed with about suffering is seeing the strength that families of some of my residents exhibit when their strength is in the Lord.

These thoughts about death and faith were resurfaced as my dad was preaching this past Sunday. Almost every Christian has probably memorized Psalm 23 at some point in their life. But isn't it amazing when you read a familiar passage and something new jumps out at you?


¹ The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

 

This passage is truly incredible! But here's what my dad showed the congregation on Sunday. At first, David is talking about God in the third person, which is how you speak when that person isn't around.

 

But notice what happens in verse four: "I will fear no evil, for you are will me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Another translation says: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil". In verse four, David is now talking as if he is in the presence of God. It's as if, as David is passing through death, he now comes into the presence of God.

 

Looking at this passage in this new light makes me feel less sad about the death I see in my job. I can now imagine a passing resident, instead of being swallowed by death, simply lifted by God, right into His arms. Death is a scary place, but for Christians it also means that God is nearest to you than ever before.

 

I never really though of Psalm 23 as a psalm about death, but now that I understand, I see the beauty of it.

 

So thanks, Dad, for showing me a way to connect this passage to my life and even my work!

 

I guess parents really can be helpful sometimes;)

 

 

 

Thanks for reading!

Dedication

One more shift at work to get through.

A few more errands to run.

A lot more clothes to pack.

Soon a fresh school year shall commence.

I'm not usually one for New Year's resolutions because, as a student, I feel that the year begins at the end of August.

Therefore, I must now declare my "New Year's" (more like "school year's) resolutions.

This task is quite a simple one for me because it all falls under one word: dedication.

Classes this semester are no longer the simple blow-off gen-ed classes of freshmen year. It's time to get down to business. (*singing* Let's get down to business! To defeat....the Hunsssss)

I have two Biology classes and my first Nursing class to conquer, which in no way will be simple.

I also have a job on campus this summer, although it's not your typical on-campus job. It will require my CNA skills more than anything, which I love to use. It'll be time consuming, yet rewarding. I just need to keep reminding myself of the benefit and that I need to keep at it!

An area of my life that could definitely use some help in the dedication department is my physical health. I have been overweight since as long as I can remember, and did I ever like it? Absolutely not! And despite my efforts, it seems that my problem comes down to the fact that I am for some reason not displaying enough dedication to losing weight and becoming a more healthy human being. Last school year, I did well at working out often and eating healthier. I am proud to say that I lost the freshmen fifteen as opposed to gaining it! However, this summer, I have fallen back into old patterns and habits, which is simply no good. Time to hop on the band wagon and try again!

Another problem area is my faith. Well, not my faith exactly, my faith isn't what is faltering. Rather my devotional life is lacking in a steady rhythm. I mean, am I the only one who forgets to read the Bible everyday? Or is this a common struggle? If so, how in the world do I fix this problem? I know God is forgiving, but He has to get sick of forgiving me over and over for forgetting to read His word! I like reading my Bible, it's just that I forget! Simple as that. Something I've got to work on.

This year, I just want to be more dedicated to being a more well-rounded student. I want to exceed in my classes, but also be involved in social activities on campus. I want to reserve time for myself and my improvement, while also having an open door to friends and peers in need. I want to give time for my health: mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. Overall, I want to be dedicated to maintaining the balance required in any person's life. I'm told that's what college is all about! Finding your balance, how you run things, and being able to maintain it.

Thanks for the read! :)