Monday, July 12, 2010

God is Love

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
--Romans 8:38-39

Today could've been like any other typical day but it wasn't. I suppose I ought to give credit to Pacific for requiring my shot records before giving me "student status." Had it not been for this necessary paperwork I wouldn't have been at the doctor's office today. This whole situation has been quite the ordeal and in all honesty I didn't want to spend my morning at the doctor's office. However, God wanted me there. He orchestrated everything-- He is very creative.

So what happened? Well, after getting my blood drawn at the lab I went upstairs to the doctor's office so that I could get a TB test and a shot. Since I didn't have an appointment made (the nurse said to just come in after the lab work) I had to wait awhile before the nurse could meet with me. Within that time of waiting, this lady showed up to sit with her husband, who was waiting to see a a doctor. Once her husband went in for his appointment I heard the lady crying. Then she proceeded to take out her phone (which kind of irritated me at first) and called someone for comfort. Since I was sitting next to her I heard all about her husband's medical condition. She was telling the person on the phone that she has tried to be strong for her husband-- trying not to let her anxieties show.

While this lady was talking on the phone, I felt like I wanted to put my arms around her. In those moments, God placed an idea in my heart to show this lady love. I felt God telling me to write a note to her. I rummaged through my purse and found an old grocery list. I tore a piece off and wrote, "I'm so sorry you are going through a hard time. I will pray for you. God Bless, Angela."

There are a million other comforting words I could've written but that is what came out. I didn't give her the note right away. That was the hardest part; not sure when to hand it to her. After my appointment I walked right past her and thought, "welllll mayyybe I shouldn't give it to her." By the time I got outside the building, I heard this, "Do you really want to go home with that note still in your purse?" No. I turned around and went back up to the doctor's office. I didn't want to seem too strange so I made an official appointment with the nurse for Wednesday (I do have to go in that day anyway). As I was making my appointment, the lady moved near the receptionist desk from the other side of the room. She was still on her phone, crying.

After I did the scheduling, I took the note out of my purse and went over to her. At first she was confused and then she said, "Thank you, that means so much." She told me her husband's name was Brian. I teared up when I made eye contact with her. I placed a hand on her shoulder because I needed to make that human contact. Human touch. The whole exchange is kind of blurry but that is what I remember. God needed me to show that woman love.

I will admit my relationship with God is no where near where it needs to be. I struggle with a variety of issues on a daily basis. But God still wanted to use me.

I'm so glad that I didn't come home with that note in my purse.

2 comments:

Elizabeth said...

Wow, that was a very difficult thing to do and I'm quite impressed! Its amazing how and when God can use it, but I'm so glad He gave you the right words to say. A simple message, but touching and hopefully comforting all the same. Never a bad thing to let anyone, even a stranger, know that you care. Really that's what we're all compelled and asked to do. So two thumbs up and way to go cuz! :)

Angela said...

Hey cousin,

Yeah that was a very powerful experience-- definitely NOT something I would usually do. I'm fairly shy when it comes to sharing my faith, nonetheless just going out of my comfort zone. However, I couldn't say no to that. God compelled me to act out of love. I think this was also God telling me, "hey I am here, come back." I hope I will have more experiences like this in the future.

Know you didn't think this but I also wanted to say-- the purpose of writing this post wasn't to boast about what I did... I think actually by starting this blog it has served as a way for me to be accountable. While I didn't want to come home with that note in my purse- I also didn't want to say that I failed to follow-through either.

Hugs to you!