Who will it be today? The patient parent
Yesterday I had some time to kill before one of my appointments. I was particularly exhausted so I decided to rest in a comfy chair with a nice view of town. But I didn't get much rest.
A teenage autistic boy happened to have an upcoming appointment on the same floor, and he wasn't looking forward to it. He was screaming, acting out, and carrying on in such a way that it seemed the whole clinic must have been aware of his presence.
In the midst of all the staring and head shaking and pseudo-empathetic comments, I couldn't help but be drawn to the peaceful, calming presence of the boy's father. He could have chosen to be embarrassed or to lose his cool or to lash out at his son in a completely unproductive way. But he understood his son like no one else and, over the years, he had undoubtedly been well-trained in the practice of patience and self-control. I admired him in that moment.
I knew there wasn't really anything I could do to help the situation but I did walk up to the gentleman and express my uninformed sympathy for what I anticipated to be a very trying day. I told him about Beth and her experience with the autism center. I discovered that the young man had already had lunch but that he does like pizza so I gave dad a Toppers coupon and a copy of my letter. Hopefully the gift of free pizza will be a blessing this week.
I told them I'd be praying the day would go as smoothly as possible and then got out of their hair. It's hard for me to even fathom what life is like for the parents of children with special needs. I know a lot of people say things like "they must be special people" or that "I could never do that." Although there's a lot of truth in that line of thinking, it's probably an oversimplification. We sell ourselves short too often and we have too small a view of our God-enabled capabilities. This man loved his son and so his attitudes were adapted to accommodate what his son required. Every trial we face is a similar opportunity to be molded. I hope the Spirit grants me the peace and patience and self-control that I witnessed.
Who will it be tomorrow?
Showing posts with label Who Will It Be Today. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Who Will It Be Today. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Who will it be today? #5
Who will it be today? Me.
What a novel concept. Sometimes it's not about who we can encourage or bless, but who can bless us. We all need our "sponge" to be saturated, after all, before we can ever wring it out. For me, this sort of encouragement usually comes through a message or a small group discussion or a word from scripture, but a couple weeks ago it came in the form of a complete stranger. I haven't been able to get the image of that experience out of my mind so I decided to preserve it as part of this series.
I was waiting for some prescriptions to be filled at the hospital (something I find myself doing on a weekly basis). They weren't quite finished yet so I took a seat there in the lobby. About this time I heard a faint, singing voice coming from the direction of the gift shop. I readjusted my position to get a better view.
Sure enough, the information desk attendent was singing. She was a volunteer, a petite Asian woman standing behind the desk with a hymnal in hand. Her voice was quiet and her demeanor was timid, and yet it was obvious she was singing because she wanted people to hear. There was nothing spectacular about her voice, only her courage; indeed, she was either very sweet or very odd.
As people walked by, some would stop and smile. Others seemed to feel sorry for her and the awkwardness she was creating. One man finally stopped and started singing with her. It wasn't until that point that I could even make out what was being sung...
"When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!"
"When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the victory!"
She had taken it upon herself to encourage the patients and families in that hospital. And it was beautiful. As I later realized, she could barely speak English, but she knew a few hymns (and, apparently, how to give decent directions to the cafeteria). She didn't care what she couldn't do and she didn't intend to rely on her own abilities to make anything happen. She just trusted that her God would use her in some way to help some people. I think He did.
Who will it be tomorrow?
What a novel concept. Sometimes it's not about who we can encourage or bless, but who can bless us. We all need our "sponge" to be saturated, after all, before we can ever wring it out. For me, this sort of encouragement usually comes through a message or a small group discussion or a word from scripture, but a couple weeks ago it came in the form of a complete stranger. I haven't been able to get the image of that experience out of my mind so I decided to preserve it as part of this series.
I was waiting for some prescriptions to be filled at the hospital (something I find myself doing on a weekly basis). They weren't quite finished yet so I took a seat there in the lobby. About this time I heard a faint, singing voice coming from the direction of the gift shop. I readjusted my position to get a better view.
Sure enough, the information desk attendent was singing. She was a volunteer, a petite Asian woman standing behind the desk with a hymnal in hand. Her voice was quiet and her demeanor was timid, and yet it was obvious she was singing because she wanted people to hear. There was nothing spectacular about her voice, only her courage; indeed, she was either very sweet or very odd.
As people walked by, some would stop and smile. Others seemed to feel sorry for her and the awkwardness she was creating. One man finally stopped and started singing with her. It wasn't until that point that I could even make out what was being sung...
"When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!"
"When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the victory!"
She had taken it upon herself to encourage the patients and families in that hospital. And it was beautiful. As I later realized, she could barely speak English, but she knew a few hymns (and, apparently, how to give decent directions to the cafeteria). She didn't care what she couldn't do and she didn't intend to rely on her own abilities to make anything happen. She just trusted that her God would use her in some way to help some people. I think He did.
Who will it be tomorrow?
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Who will it be today? #4
Who will it be today? The cancer patient.
My year's supply of Toppers' pizza has come in really handy. Beth and I have enjoyed being able to bless people with all the pizza we can't possibly eat.
One of the advantages of living and working around a place like Mayo Clinic is that there's no shortage of visitors in need.
I was walking through Methodist Hospital's lobby today and saw a woman who was clearly a cancer patient. Aside from a lack of hair she seemed to be relatively well and capable of enjoying some pizza. I introduced myself and asked if she was in town for a while. "Couple days," she said. I asked her if she liked pizza, gave her this week's coupon and a copy of my letter, and wished her the best. Easy peasy.
Maybe it was too easy. I think I actually dodged my assigned appointment for something more convenient. As I was walking downtown I came across an elderly person raking leaves across the street. I couldn't make out whether the individual was a woman or a man, but I could definitely tell he or she was too old to be raking leaves. I think that's the person God wanted me to approach and, as much as I hate to admit it, that was the person God wanted me to rake leaves with. I actually stopped in the middle of the sidewalk for an awkward amount of time and considered the situation. I "reasoned" with God that I had to get to work (I didn't really), I wasn't dressed to rake leaves (there wasn't really much raking left to do), and that if God wanted me to help the person He should have put us on the same side of the street (not exactly a high-traffic area).
I truly hope the cancer patient is blessed by the pizza, but I know in my heart I dropped the ball. I hope God will give me another shot and that I'll be more faithful. This whole process is about learning lessons.
Who will it be tomorrow?
My year's supply of Toppers' pizza has come in really handy. Beth and I have enjoyed being able to bless people with all the pizza we can't possibly eat.
One of the advantages of living and working around a place like Mayo Clinic is that there's no shortage of visitors in need.
I was walking through Methodist Hospital's lobby today and saw a woman who was clearly a cancer patient. Aside from a lack of hair she seemed to be relatively well and capable of enjoying some pizza. I introduced myself and asked if she was in town for a while. "Couple days," she said. I asked her if she liked pizza, gave her this week's coupon and a copy of my letter, and wished her the best. Easy peasy.
Maybe it was too easy. I think I actually dodged my assigned appointment for something more convenient. As I was walking downtown I came across an elderly person raking leaves across the street. I couldn't make out whether the individual was a woman or a man, but I could definitely tell he or she was too old to be raking leaves. I think that's the person God wanted me to approach and, as much as I hate to admit it, that was the person God wanted me to rake leaves with. I actually stopped in the middle of the sidewalk for an awkward amount of time and considered the situation. I "reasoned" with God that I had to get to work (I didn't really), I wasn't dressed to rake leaves (there wasn't really much raking left to do), and that if God wanted me to help the person He should have put us on the same side of the street (not exactly a high-traffic area).
I truly hope the cancer patient is blessed by the pizza, but I know in my heart I dropped the ball. I hope God will give me another shot and that I'll be more faithful. This whole process is about learning lessons.
Who will it be tomorrow?
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Who will it be today? #3
Who will it be today? The hitch-hiker.
I don't normally pick up hitch hikers. In fact, this was my first one.
Beth and I were on our way back to Missouri for Thanksgiving and, somewhere in central Iowa, we came across a gentleman trying to flag down a ride.
For whatever reason, I felt like we should turn around and see what he needed. After we talked to him for a while I had a peace about helping him get to Interstate 80.
Turns out he lives in California and was trying to get back there. He had been in Iowa because his mother had lived there and had recently died. He was a nice guy. Almost child-like in his innocence. He has PTSD, apparently, but I don't know any details about the trauma he has experienced. It doesn't matter really. It's a devastating condition and, I'm sure, it is the main reason he finds himself in such undesirable circumstances.
I wanted to give him a letter but I didn't have any on me. In this case, though, I never got the impression God wanted me to share knowledge with him. I got the feeling he's heard all he needs to hear. What God wanted for Beth and I was for us to be hands and feet. We had been divinely appointed to take a man that mattered to the Father from Nowhere, Iowa to a random Pilot Truck Stop on Interstate 80. We prayed with him, filled his belly, and became his facebook friend.
Who will it be tomorrow?
I don't normally pick up hitch hikers. In fact, this was my first one.
Beth and I were on our way back to Missouri for Thanksgiving and, somewhere in central Iowa, we came across a gentleman trying to flag down a ride.
For whatever reason, I felt like we should turn around and see what he needed. After we talked to him for a while I had a peace about helping him get to Interstate 80.
Turns out he lives in California and was trying to get back there. He had been in Iowa because his mother had lived there and had recently died. He was a nice guy. Almost child-like in his innocence. He has PTSD, apparently, but I don't know any details about the trauma he has experienced. It doesn't matter really. It's a devastating condition and, I'm sure, it is the main reason he finds himself in such undesirable circumstances.
I wanted to give him a letter but I didn't have any on me. In this case, though, I never got the impression God wanted me to share knowledge with him. I got the feeling he's heard all he needs to hear. What God wanted for Beth and I was for us to be hands and feet. We had been divinely appointed to take a man that mattered to the Father from Nowhere, Iowa to a random Pilot Truck Stop on Interstate 80. We prayed with him, filled his belly, and became his facebook friend.
Who will it be tomorrow?
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Who will it be today? #2
Who will it be today? The shuttle driver.
I had to take the car to the shop today for some normal maintenance stuff. Quite conveniently, they provide shuttle service back and forth to your home or job while they are working on things.
When I dropped the car off at 7:30 in the morning, the shuttle driver that brought me home was an older gentleman. He was quiet but friendly and unassuming. After I got home I decided I would hand out my letter to him on the return trip.
I prayed. I asked God to give me an opportunity and to give me courage.
What He gave me was a burly, goateed fellow for the return trip to the dealership. I should have figured. I had all but decided to wuss out until the moment we pulled into the drive. Then, whether it was the Spirit's urging or not, I felt a moment of awkwardness that seemed like the perfect time. As I stepped out of the van I turned and thanked the gentleman for the ride and gave him my letter; and I think I wished him a happy Thanksgiving. I dunno. But I was at least mostly obedient on this occasion.
On another note; the Honda Odyssey is truly an amazing automobile.
Who will it be tomorrow?
I had to take the car to the shop today for some normal maintenance stuff. Quite conveniently, they provide shuttle service back and forth to your home or job while they are working on things.
When I dropped the car off at 7:30 in the morning, the shuttle driver that brought me home was an older gentleman. He was quiet but friendly and unassuming. After I got home I decided I would hand out my letter to him on the return trip.
I prayed. I asked God to give me an opportunity and to give me courage.
What He gave me was a burly, goateed fellow for the return trip to the dealership. I should have figured. I had all but decided to wuss out until the moment we pulled into the drive. Then, whether it was the Spirit's urging or not, I felt a moment of awkwardness that seemed like the perfect time. As I stepped out of the van I turned and thanked the gentleman for the ride and gave him my letter; and I think I wished him a happy Thanksgiving. I dunno. But I was at least mostly obedient on this occasion.
On another note; the Honda Odyssey is truly an amazing automobile.
Who will it be tomorrow?
Monday, November 12, 2012
Who will it be today? #1
Who will it be today? Guy needing directions.
So, I had been feeling really challenged to start being intentional about sharing Jesus with strangers and, last week, I told my Bible study to hold me accountable in that--I wanted them to ask me how it went this coming Wednesday.
I proceeded to make my letter that I can give to people, which I determined would decrease awkwardness and allow for smoother interactions.
My first attempt was this past Saturday and was an epic fail.
Today was, in my opinion, a success. The two tries were pretty much opposite in every way and taught me some valuable lessons about being a witness.
Some things I learned:
1.) You can't do this sort of thing with an objective of pleasing men. At first, I felt like I had to follow through and "make something happen" because people were holding me accountable. I was trying to force a divine appointment and that really isn't how it works. After chasing this guy with a pony tail around the Civic Center for most of the morning it finally dawned on me that, if God wanted me to talk to him, He'd probably provide an opportunity.
2.) You have to practice the presence of God if you want to see opportunities through His eyes. Certainly, my experience today was so much better and felt so much more natural. I prepared for the morning with prayer; I left the house with joy in the Spirit. As I was walking through the hospital, I made a conscious effort to smile at people and say "hi." I came to a guy who looked lost and, without even thinking about it, I asked him if I could help him find something. I gave him directions. He seemed grateful. And as he turned to leave I was reminded (perhaps by the Spirit) that I should give him my letter. And so I did. Maybe he'll be encouraged or maybe it won't affect him in any way. Regardless, I felt peace knowing I was obedient to Christ in that moment and, at the very least, I'm pretty sure I gave foolproof directions to Francis 1.
Who will it be tomorrow?
So, I had been feeling really challenged to start being intentional about sharing Jesus with strangers and, last week, I told my Bible study to hold me accountable in that--I wanted them to ask me how it went this coming Wednesday.
I proceeded to make my letter that I can give to people, which I determined would decrease awkwardness and allow for smoother interactions.
My first attempt was this past Saturday and was an epic fail.
Today was, in my opinion, a success. The two tries were pretty much opposite in every way and taught me some valuable lessons about being a witness.
Some things I learned:
1.) You can't do this sort of thing with an objective of pleasing men. At first, I felt like I had to follow through and "make something happen" because people were holding me accountable. I was trying to force a divine appointment and that really isn't how it works. After chasing this guy with a pony tail around the Civic Center for most of the morning it finally dawned on me that, if God wanted me to talk to him, He'd probably provide an opportunity.
2.) You have to practice the presence of God if you want to see opportunities through His eyes. Certainly, my experience today was so much better and felt so much more natural. I prepared for the morning with prayer; I left the house with joy in the Spirit. As I was walking through the hospital, I made a conscious effort to smile at people and say "hi." I came to a guy who looked lost and, without even thinking about it, I asked him if I could help him find something. I gave him directions. He seemed grateful. And as he turned to leave I was reminded (perhaps by the Spirit) that I should give him my letter. And so I did. Maybe he'll be encouraged or maybe it won't affect him in any way. Regardless, I felt peace knowing I was obedient to Christ in that moment and, at the very least, I'm pretty sure I gave foolproof directions to Francis 1.
Who will it be tomorrow?
Friday, November 9, 2012
Who will it be today: The Letter
Here's the premise for a new ministry I'm starting up...
Hi,
My name is Aaron Leppin. I was praying today for a person to give this letter to and I felt like God might want you to have it. I don't know anything about you but I know there are some things that God wants you to know about Him.
Firstly, God loves you more than you can imagine. He cares about your fears and your suffering and your worries. He wants you to know that even if your human relationships are not fulfilling, that He can provide you with complete comfort and peace. He wants that sort of intimate relationship with you.
Secondly, Jesus has made a new life possible for you. If you feel empty or without purpose or if you feel like you're spinning your wheels, Jesus can fix that. If you feel like you've done too many wrong things or that you are a bad person, Jesus can fix that too. When you believe in Him and acknowledge what He's done, He will give you the Holy Spirit that will fill your life and change you in unbelievable ways.
Finally, I want to apologize for the Christian Church. I include myself in this group. We are called to represent Christ to you and to show you through our love and actions that the things I listed above are true. I know we don't do that enough and, in many cases, we come across as accusatory and inaccessible. I am truly sorry about this and encourage you to contact me if you have questions or need to talk. After all, there is no condemnation in Christ and I want you to know that you are welcomed into His family with open arms and that angels will rejoice in heaven to have you join the fold.
I will be praying for you.
Aaron Leppin
all2x9@gmail.com
660-216-7064
aaronleppinmd.blogspot.com
Hi,
My name is Aaron Leppin. I was praying today for a person to give this letter to and I felt like God might want you to have it. I don't know anything about you but I know there are some things that God wants you to know about Him.
Firstly, God loves you more than you can imagine. He cares about your fears and your suffering and your worries. He wants you to know that even if your human relationships are not fulfilling, that He can provide you with complete comfort and peace. He wants that sort of intimate relationship with you.
Secondly, Jesus has made a new life possible for you. If you feel empty or without purpose or if you feel like you're spinning your wheels, Jesus can fix that. If you feel like you've done too many wrong things or that you are a bad person, Jesus can fix that too. When you believe in Him and acknowledge what He's done, He will give you the Holy Spirit that will fill your life and change you in unbelievable ways.
Finally, I want to apologize for the Christian Church. I include myself in this group. We are called to represent Christ to you and to show you through our love and actions that the things I listed above are true. I know we don't do that enough and, in many cases, we come across as accusatory and inaccessible. I am truly sorry about this and encourage you to contact me if you have questions or need to talk. After all, there is no condemnation in Christ and I want you to know that you are welcomed into His family with open arms and that angels will rejoice in heaven to have you join the fold.
I will be praying for you.
Aaron Leppin
all2x9@gmail.com
660-216-7064
aaronleppinmd.blogspot.com
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