Those who enter certain respected and exclusive professions, notably the ministry, are sometimes said to have been ‘called’ by God to perform their duties, but there are others who meet this criteria of being called or set aside for their work. I come in contact with a number of them almost daily. Anyone who cares for the sick and/or infirm qualifies for this special recognition. Here is one example.
Nursing homes are often places of last resort for those whose health status requires special assistance for daily living for even the most routine never-thought-about- until- now needs such as walking, bathing, medicating and other such basic actions that are generally taken for granted until professional intervention is the only option thus a change of address from home to institutional care. It is hardly ever a change that is welcomed, but one rather reluctantly accepted as the only alternative available. Those who provide these services are indeed ‘called’ since the rewards for their services are less monetary and for many more about “stars in their crowns” when the Great Transition arrives.
Typically in a skilled setting, the needs for many are greatly exaggerated since the resident is generally unable/unwilling to assist in his/her care. The nearest comparable care is that given to an infant, one totally dependent on outside care.
Many are long term residents and over time they become like close members of the family of their caregivers. The staff members become their surrogate parents, many times the only ones who have regular human contact since, sadly, there are too many occasions when there is no family contact either because of conflicts or of indifference. This void is then filled by their caregivers, truly those ‘called’ for such an occasion.
At a local facility, the staff has started a project that is a voluntary extension of their regular duties. Seeing that there was a small room formerly used to store records (now in computer files) they were given permission to transform it as a mini-chapel with 3 compact pews and decorations making the room like a church environment including “stained” glass windows and other ecclesiastical trappings. The renovations and decorations were provided by the staff as a voluntary project now used for private meditation and small group religious services for the residents. But it has another use. The staff would often recognize the needs of some of the residents that were not provided by any family member such as personal items so they got together and each member made a voluntary monetary contribution to a fund that was used to provide for these needs. These items are stored in the ‘chapel’ and when a need is evident, the resident, if able, is taken to the room and given the opportunity to share in the free gifts. Too, for those able to read, there is a small library that is available.
No, this is not a big deal, but sometimes even the smallest act of kindness can actually become a BIG deal to one who is lonely and perhaps has a feeling of being neglected.
Matthew 25:40 – “… Inasmuch as ye have done it to one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” KJV
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Bill Lee, PO Box 128,
Hamer, SC 29547
