Time to Listen

The Spirit whispered to me as I stood in the emergency room.

My grandmother fell and hit her head. Her confusion and lack of memory alarmed me enough to call the ambulance. While my grandmother was off for some tests,  I watched the hustle and bustle of the doctors and nurses as they attended to their patients.  I prayed and asked God to use me to bring hope to anyone that needed it. In the corner, stacking the gauze, towels, and other supplies was a volunteer.  She looked tired and worn.  The Lord impressed upon my heart to speak to her. 

“The doctors and nurses would be lost without you,” I said as I tried to make eye contact.She looked at me with confusion.  I repeated the statement.  “The doctors and nurses would be lost without you.”  She gave me a shy smile.  Over the course of our short conversation, I learned that she volunteered a few nights a week after her day job.  I told her how much we appreciated the volunteers at the hospital.“I have been to this emergency room with my grandmother more times than I care to mention. Volunteers are the glue that holds this emergency room together. Thank you!”   She smiled.  “Thank you for talking to me, you are the first person who has talked to me all day.  I was so very sad and angry, I felt like my life didn’t matter.  I was going to go home and just cry.  You have made me so happy, Thank you again.”She told me that her grandmother took her last breath in this hospital and that is why she volunteers.“God bless you,” I said.”He has, you took the time to talk to me.” She turned and finished stocking the shelves.

God knew this women’s loneliness.  God notices everything and everyone and wants to use us to reveal His love to them.

 I praised God for the opportunity to show someone the love of Christ.  May I always be ready to listen to the Spirit.

My grandmother did have a concussion. My sisters and I showed my grandmother the love of Christ by singing to her and spending time with her as she healed.Has God used someone in your life when you were lonely or sad? Has God used you to bring love and joy into a person’s life?Join the conversation.