I walked back on the farm again today. Everything continues to settle into steady and resolute decline. Fences sagging, gullies deepening, barn collapsing in on itself like the carcass of the dead cow in the creek bed. A somber scene, but for the bright blue sky, crisp winter air, and cheerful scurry of squirrels in the leaf litter beneath the naked silver trees.
Today...
Today, I am thankful for my job.
Hospice care is hard, emotionally, physically, mentally.
But today, I am thankful for my job because it is significant. My work has value.
Eternal value.
What a sacred privilege to walk with broken people up to the veil and to hold their hands as they cross through to eternity! What a sacred privilege to weep with those who weep when their loved ones are dying...and then gone. What a sacred privilege to wake up at two o'clock in the morning and pray for patients and their families.
Today, I am thankful for my job.
For the first time in decades, I am not anxious about how to pay for groceries. I can buy gas for my car, and I have healthcare coverage.
Today, I am thankful for my job.
I am learning that I am not alone. I am learning that I can go out into the world and touch lives and be touched by others...and by doing so, I can grow into something new and beautiful and strong.
Today, I am thankful.
