The Difficult Questions

At the Grove a few months ago, Dr. Mike Harper gave us these reflection points at the end of the message. I have posted them on my mirror, and when I have the courage, I read through them and do soul searching. I never seem to get past the first few because I get overwhelmed with awareness of my sinful nature and in particular, my selfishness.

I post them here for your perusal.

1) What are your ethics like...how have you hurt yourself or others in trying to get what you want, even if it is a good thing.

2) Are you trying to con God? Are you conning others? How is this really conning yourself?

3) In what ways do you see God's discipline in your life and do you see it as God's discipline or punishment?

4) How is or how has God been turning the tables on you?

5) What are some patterns you see in your own failings? Where is God trying to intervene in your life?

6) When is the last time you ever took a good inventory or self-assessment of who you are? Asked those closest to you for some authentic feedback? Taken time out to reflect upon where you fall short of God's desires?

7) Have you tried to figure out who God intends you to be and how to get there? Thought about what your vision is for having the authentic and real life that God wants for you? Set your mind on getting there? Developed some clear ethical means to reach that vision?

Wow. I am so grateful for grace.

New Job!

Today I was given the nursing student intern position on the Obstetric/Pediatric wing at St. Mary's Hospital. My training and orientation commence October 8th. My duties will include very basic, non glamorous nursing duties such as taking vital signs, linen changes, changing newborn diapers, ambulating patients, assisting registered nurses with procedures, transferring patients for diagnostic procedures, etc. I am ecstatic about the adventures that await and the unknowns of working closely with people in some of the pivotal moments of their lives.

I will work from 10 to 20 hours per week, with the option to do more or less as my nursing school schedule allows. When I am ready for additional hours and experience, I will be cross-trained on other wings at the hospital, to include the surgical floor.

Within a few weeks I will ask permission (following the development of an amiable relationship with my floor supervisor) to observe surgical procedures and labor and delivery for educational purposes, off the clock.

I will continue working at the Northwest AR Children's Shelter. I am not prepared to close that chapter of my life. My long time supervisor there has been kind to allow me to remain a part of the organization in a part-time role.

"It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love that is put into them that matters." Mother Teresa