Today I am thankful for the people in my life who remind me of things I need to hear. In my work, it is much easier to do my job on sunny, warm day. No need to worry about a coat as I rush from my car to the front door where I might stand there shivering until someone invites me inside. No need to worry about where to park my car when the driveway and street are full of snow. No need to open the umbrella and avoid the puddles on my way back to the car.
You won’t be surprised that as I write this it is raining outside and cold. I know I need to put on an extra sweater, grab my raincoat, put an extra pair of shoes and socks in the car (just in case the first ones get too wet to wear), make another cup of tea in a to go cup, and hit the road. The weather makes my job more challenging. And on days like this I am reminded of the wise words of one of my hospice patients. Whenever she asks about the weather and I wish for a sunny day, she smiles and says you know the ground needs the rain. We don’t get to pick the weather because we would not think about the plants, animals, and ourselves and how much we need all types of weather. Each time she reminds me to be thankful for the non-sunny days I am humbled by her wisdom and her ability to give thanks in all circumstances.
Today I encourage you to listen for those who are reminding you of what you need to hear. It is often not the words you want to hear, so listen with an open heart and an open mind. As I was writing this today I am reminded of Natalie Sleeth’s Hymn of Promise which tells us that we must wait patiently because there is much more in God’s plan than we can currently see. (I don’t have permission to share the words since they are under copyright, so I encourage you to check them out here!).
God, Help us to be open to the words we don’t want to hear and so desperately need to hear. Remind us that those who are wise are not always who we expect. And give us the courage to say the hard and true things for others who need to hear it. Amen.
