Learning To Be Contented

"And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19

I knew right away at first glance that she was not lying. Constantly rubbing her upper stomach area, she kept complaining of burning pain that just wouldn't go away. She just wanted help to make her more comfortable. Not in a demanding way. More of a pleasant request, allowing me to intervene to the best of my ability.

I gave her a white concoction of 3 medications that usually treat any epigastric discomfort. With complete submission, she downed it despite the awful taste that coated her tongue as soon as the liquid touched her mouth. She quickly flushed the medication with a small cup of water I gave with it. Few minutes later, I saw her grimacing more and seemed to be in distress. Yet, she never came up to the window to demand to be sent to the hospital.

I loved helping those kind of inmates. They were the kind that never abused the system. They were the ones who seemed to be contented with the kind of treatment they were getting, despite the delay, or inadequate relief for their suffering.

I phoned the on-call physician and relating with him the symptoms I noted on my own, at first, he didn't want me to send the inmate to the ER. But he changed his mind when I kept telling him that she looked more in distress. He gave me a "go" signal. No rush. Just with our transportation deputy.

With tears falling down on her cheeks, she thanked me and breathed a sigh of relief when I informed her that she was going to see the doctor. She uttered a soft but warm "thank you" and sat back down on one of the plastic chairs and quietly rubbed her stomach. I knew she would be patient to wait for the deputy but I reassured her. She thanked me for my kind gesture. Little did she know, I was the one who should thank her for her contentment. By seeing her not whine and tried to endure and be contented with all the efforts I did, she reminded me of Paul, the apostle. The man in love with Jesus who learned to be satisfied through all circumstances that he faced.

"How grateful I am, and how I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but for a while you didn't have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything with the help of Christ Who gives me the strength I need." - Philippians 4:10-13
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Oh Lord, with us living in this world full of discontent: discontent with laborious or low paying jobs, discontent with spouses, discontent with our looks, and I can go on and on, please help us learn contentment, the way Paul discovered it. Help us to have confidence and strength that comes from You. Help us to remain trusting in only You. That is the only way to be contented no matter what is going on around us. Thank You Lord for all of Your provisions. Please forgive me for the times that I have complained and was just focused on the gifts, instead of You, the Giver. Thank You Lord for always being merciful, for Your faithful love and grace. In Jesus' Name. Amen.



By the way, that inmate came back all smiling and felt much better after the doctor gave her something stronger for pain. She was diagnosed with gallstones. Then, we went from there and knew what advices to give her prior to sending her back to her unit. And our jail doctor would see her again for a follow up treatment.

14 comments:

  1. I loved this story Rosel. I loved to hear of her attitude and that you were caring enough to even notice her and her distress and then were willing to do what you had to do to get her help. I love that it was just gallstones (not that this is good news, but could have been worse) and that they know now how to treat her. It is such an important lesson you talk about. To learn to be content in the middle of whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. To learn He cares and has it all under control. Thanks for this story. It really blessed me this morning. Have a wonderful week-end. HUGS, Debbie

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  2. What a great illustration of contentment. I'm sure you see many of the other kind. But I also love your heart that noticed her. When you abide in Christ, He will quietly nudge you to notice this one or that one. How often do we miss out on what God wants us to notice?

    I know that you abide in His love. I wish there were more nurses with a heart like yours.

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

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  3. Rosel you are so precious! What a great example of contentment this is! It is soo true when we don't "push" our way or "demand" something in a situation we are better received! My dad was such a great example of this!

    Soo thankful you were there for this woman and that you helped her! She is probably singing your praises about now :)

    Have a happy and blessed weekend

    Love you!

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  4. I'm glad you have some nice patients like that. I know they appreciate you. Your music is so pretty. And that video was great, makes us think about our attitudes. Have a blessed weekend.

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  5. Rosel that can of Coke is very powerful! Amen. Blessings.

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  6. You are so special sis, love you.

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  7. Thank you for visiting my blog and for your kind words. You made my day. You blessed me! :) You are an awesome woman. :)

    In this blog, I saw not only that this inmate was patient, thankful and kind ... but, that you were keeping your eyes open to the hurt and need of another. I will remember that today ... I will remember to keep my eyes open and to see the needs in others. God Bless!

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  8. Rosel, thank you for such an inspiring message. We can only find contentment in our Lord Jesus. God's blessings. Lloyd

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  9. Rosel,

    What a precious way to show love and concern for someone just like Jesus explained we should all do. You are a shining example to those people who literally must feel like they are at the end of their ropes.

    Love and Hugs ~ Kat

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  10. The inmates are blessed to have you in their care..you offer them the love of Christ in a dark and uncaring world..blessings!

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  11. it always makes me sad to read abuot these women behind bars...but I'm thankful they have someone like you in their corner. Inspiring as always. Take gentle care and have a great weekend.

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  12. The "keeping up with the Jones" story of contentment verses covetingis the story of where we are looking, what we are looking at and the reason why. Its what we miss ... and actually who we miss in doing so. Where does are joy come from? Great message.

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  13. I, too, would want to do everything I can to help someone so appreciative and patient as this gal. It was a great lesson to me to be patient and accepting and not like the girl in this video who was discontent. It takes maturity. But then the blessings come! Have a wonderful weekend, my good friend. Peace!

    Hugs,
    Mary

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  14. I think when people have experienced "want" in care - whether from their parents, friends or the world - they either chose to be demanding and sulky - or truly wait with grace, trust and kindness - they are truly greatful when someone does help. I agree - it takes maturity from experience where that person has chosen grace over grouse!

    Loved the video, too! It was a beautiful day when I realized the gifts God put within me - and that I didn't have to be perfect at everybody elses gifts, too!

    Have a blessed weekend!

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"Faith is taking the first step even if you don't see the whole staircase..."
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