Journal of Sacred Work

6 responses to “Days 338-340 – Entertaining Angels”

1. 

   ~liz Wessel

   December 7, 2009

   There is no denying it can be very difficult… especially if I am trying to help someone who does not want my help. I think a different approach could be helpful. To begin, rather than impose what I think a person needs, I could ask what is important to them. Rather than enter in with an agenda of “this is what you must do” I could listen with an intention of wanting to understand. Listen…and if I can learn about the person’s life; their story I just might discover something in a human being who is suffering is also in me.

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2. 

   ~liz Wessel

   December 7, 2009

   P.S. I think it is important to keep in mind that people have a choice. Through motivational interviewing caregivers can assist individuals to address their ambivalence in making behavioral changes that could improve their health and quality of life. Psychologists found this helpful when working with people who had alcoholism. This new “Health Coaching” methodology is about partnering with people who have chronic health conditions to engage them in a self-care management process. I am very excited about the possibilities of this new collaborative approach and I will be teaching it to clinicians at our ministry.

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3. 

   Victoria Facey

   December 7, 2009

   Sometimes when I encounter a difficult person I challenge myself to find a warm spot in them. If we can begin a conversation, I work to learn of their problem/issue and if nothing more, be a listener.
   I recently visited my father who is now in home hospice. We are re-building a relationship from decades of him being an absent parent. As I offer support and suggestions, he shuts me down for being naive and doesn’t respect my input.
   My father is hardened and unvailable to give the warmth and support I so longed for during his absence. However, we are connected in blood, so I don’t give up so easily. Only when he closes his eyes to nod off in the hospital could I see the angel (and the child) in him. I will not likely get the hugs or the love I so desperately missed from my father, however I acknowledge that he will soon head in a direction of peace and healing. And I believe I will also receive the same during this process…

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4. 

   Marilyn Donan

   December 7, 2009

   I just wanted to comment on “angels.” First, it is difficult to see angels in difficult patients. Maybe they are behaving badly to see if we, as caregivers,are willing to be their “angels.” When my husband was terminally ill, it was only the angels around us who made life bearable. And they came in all shapes, colors and sizes. Angels were the people who came over and brought me dinner when I couldn’t leave the house. One angel was the exterminator who talked with me and offered sage advice that really helped me. And there was a nurse who was willing to call the doctor at 2 AM because the pain medication wasn’t working. I know that’s her job, but still not a phone call everyone would be willing to make. With the memory of what people did for me, I strive to be “someone’s angel” when I work as a nurse. And, honestly, I have to struggle to find the angel in difficult people, but an interesting challenge.

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5. 

   ~liz Wessel

   December 9, 2009

   Love shines on good and bad, on light and dark without distinction.
   “Love is in the meeting.” ~M.Buber

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6. 

   Karen York

   December 9, 2009

   You challenge us at the very heart of what we claim we are. We want to be loving beings, yet are so quick to judge. Our fears and pre-determined biases often prevent us from seeing through the exterior to the heart of god. Luckily we have been granted the same kind of love from the creator who has not turned her back on us when we are at our worst. We are all vessels in need of understanding and grace.

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