The package above is pretty and I am sure it contains a gift, probably for Christmas. The gifts I want us to think about today are the gifts of:
Friendship
Discernment
Generosity
When others extend these gifts to us we feel affirmed and valued. Likewise, when we extend these gifts to others they feel affirmed and valued.
I am unable to make anyone a millionaire. I am unable to make anyone famous. But all of us can extend the gifts of friendship, discernment, and generosity to create a feeling of affirmation and value for others. I hope all of us can point to moments in our day where we can think of specific occasions when this has happened.
In my work with people (patients, family members, and other people I encounter in life), I sometimes ask them to tell me how they are feeling. That usually generates them telling a story from their life (past or present). Then I ask them what emotions that event is making them feel. People feel emotions but often are not accurately able to name them. In order to deal effectively with our emotions, we should be able to name them.
The next time you are upset and can’t identify why you are upset try to examine how you are feeling, the event that triggered your feelings, and this list of emotions. It could give you new insight and help you feel better more quickly!
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out– Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out– Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out– Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me– and there was no one left to speak for me. -Martin Niemoller, pastor, initial supporter of Hitler, concentration camp survivor (1892 – 1984)
In school as we studied the events surrounding World War II it seemed impossible to me that one person could take a whole nation in the wrong direction. Having been to several Holocaust Museums I have been further shocked that the atrocities of the Hitler regime were far worse than the text books I read described. I came across the quote from Martin Niemoller who was a pastor and stood by letting Hitler gain power. As I reflect on the quote I am wondering what action it is calling me to in the present day. Maybe that is a good question for all of us to examine.
The picture above captures the joy most patients feel when they hear the words “Go Home”. It is rare to have a patient say they want to stay longer. This week we had some real victories in patients reaching the status where they could go directly home without a detour to a nursing home. I dedicate today’s page to all those people who get to go home and have loving support network there waiting for them!
Today is Ash Wednesday. I observed the special at the hospital with a service in the chapel at Noon. I also went to the nursing units to impose ashes on those who desired it. Some told me they thought only Roman Catholic’s observed Ash Wednesday. Other people found the idea of wearing ashes on their forehead unacceptable, I don’t know what their reasons are. I am glad that Ash Wednesday is here to give us a moment self-examination no matter how we observe it.
