A Day In The Lobby

 The Lord is my shepherd.
    I will always have everything I need.
² He gives me green pastures to lie in.
    He leads me by calm pools of water.
³ He restores my strength.
    He leads me on right paths to show that he is good.
⁴ Even if I walk through a valley as dark as the grave,
    I will not be afraid of any danger, because you are with me.
    Your rod and staff comfort me.
⁵ You prepared a meal for me in front of my enemies.
    You welcomed me as an honored guest.
    My cup is full and spilling over.
⁶ Your goodness and mercy will be with me all my life,
    and I will live in the Lord’s house a long, long time. ~ Psalm 23 (ERV)



I saw his reflection on one of the squares of the long window glasses that drew someone's eyes to the wonderful view of trees and hills nearby. His left hand with a plastic cup moved up and down in a rhythmic fashion, maybe nervously rubbing against his left thigh. I didn't know him. I just happened to be in the lobby at the same time. Waiting for my friend and her loved one in the Wound Clinic they visited each Thursday. Since when....I didn't remember.  He was calm on the phone. I assumed he was talking to a close family member. "They couldn't  save my leg anymore," he uttered. With the silence that enveloped us in that roomy lobby, I didn't have any choice but overheard his statements.  "I'm in a bad shape. Just wanna let u know,  I need to be admitted in the hospital now...,"he continued.

I adjusted my glasses falling from my nose. I looked up and saw the blue, clearest skies I'd ever seen. A clean slate from one end of the horizon to the other that served as the background for the tall trees with its branches dancing with the warm,humid winds. That was when I saw his reflection on my right side. He was calm upon being told about his condition. Maybe he wasn't afraid...Then again...what if he was? His wry smile masking the possible fear brewing in his heart.

I haven't been working. Consider it a break for me for working as a nurse. At times, I felt this was my early retirement after working as a night owl for 25 years. But I have been a Christian who wouldn't retire from what my Father leads me to do...In my heart I felt His leading. To pray for the man in denim pants and blue plaid polo shirt who was about to lose one of his legs. Quietly, I felt my lips moved for words I didn't know just flowed. Praying for this man to first be drawn into His grace and mercy. Then, to overcome...

In many days that pass by, I often pray for the Lord for what He wants me to do at this point of my life. I can't complain to the blessing of being a mother and a wife who is given time to take care of my family's needs. But I know, there's always so much more to that. God,sometimes calls His children to step out of their comfort zones in order for them to reflect His light to those who are still in darkness. To pray for anyone even if I don't know them and feel they have the need to be prayed for, so the least I can do.

"I have traveled a lot," his voice echoing down the hallway that leads to the Emergency Room as the hospital was just next door. "Ohhh..." answered the nursing student learning the ropes, as she pushed the wheelchair where the man was sitting. He remained calm and in a positive mood, despite the brewing storm he was about to face. The voice was long gone. There I was still looking at the horizon and glanced at the window glass where his reflection was before. Maybe his heart had already weathered many storms and was calmed by God's hands many times. That he knew Who to trust in times like that.

If only I could find out... I would agree thousands of times. Because God also calmed my mind and heart many times. He saved me from many troubles. He reminded me that whatever I would lose or already lost, there was no limit to what He could give. And in the manner of losing something or even someone dear to my heart, my doubtful, worrisome mind and heart are being driven to rush to the calling of His forgiveness, grace, and mercy.