I walked into a room where a woman about my age has terminal cancer and does not have long to live.
Her immediate and extended family was in the large room with her. She was still able to communicate clearly. I introduced myself as a Chaplain who just wanted to come to be with her for a little while.
She said, “Come on in Chaplain, your timing is good, we’re getting ready to pray.” I took my place with the rest of the family as we stood around the bed.
Much to my surprise, I wasn’t asked to lead the prayer as one of her family members stepped closer to her bedside and began to pray a “from-the-bottom-of-your-heart-I-mean-this-one-kind-of-prayer.”
At the same time, the patient was also praying her own prayer out loud, and I leaned forward to hear what she was saying.
“O God,” she said, “You know that I want to live and be with my family a while longer. You know what I want, I know you do. But if you are ready to take me home, I am ready. If there is anyway I can stay, please let me. But if I can’t stay, I’m ready.”
When they were both through, I thanked them for letting me be present.
As I walked out, I heard the lesson loud and clear.
Sometimes, it is not holding on that makes one stronger; sometimes it’s letting go.
Surrender.
“Not my will, but thy will be done.”
What do you need to let go of?
Personally, I have a long list. How about you?
Peace to you during this week, especially.
What a powerful moment you witnessed! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Charlie, I appreciate your comment. It was a very powerful moment indeed.
Peace,
Malcolm
Malcolm,
May I also have the grace and awareness to just be a presence when that is what God is asking me to do.
Jerry, knowing you the way I do, I have no doubt that you have this grace and awareness on a regular basis. Thanks for who you are and what you do.
Peace to you,
Malcolm