Unexpected answer

It was many weeks ago, when I found out my allergist office was being closed.

I was saddened, mostly by what seemed a loss of relationship.

For me to continue with my doctor, I’d need to drive over an hour away.

I only get shots once a month, unless I’m doing a series, so it wasn’t unreasonable to think of driving that far once a month.

Somehow, I wasn’t excited about the idea.

Yet, I couldn’t get peace about switching to a new doctor in my area.

So, I waited and prayed.

God answered.

I received a lovely card and paperwork in the mail from my allergist.

She is opening her own office, right here.

I don’t have to drive over an hour away.

Besides signing my name to some paperwork and remembering where the new office is, I don’t even have much to do.

I’m very thankful.

God is always faithful.

He always guides and directs.

And I don’t have to say, “Goodbye” to any of the staff save my shot nurse, she’s retiring.

I’m so thankful I didn’t rush out and find a new allergist.

I’m so grateful God provided for this.

2 Samuel 22:31 KJV — As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for this unexpected answer. Lord, thank You for reminding me to wait upon You and not try to “fix” things myself. Lord, thank You for using this circumstance to teach me just how valuable even the brief relationships at the doctor’s office are. Lord, I lift up those who serve others in the medical field. Please continue to guide them, to give them love, discernment, and understanding. Lord, please gift them with the ability to treat the person not just the health issue. Thank You for Your amazing love and wisdom. Thank You that You are the reason we have knowledge and understanding. Thank You that You are the One who heals us. I love You. Amen

Some changes…

…are sad.

I came into the office this morning to get my shots.

And found, they are closing our branch.

My shot nurse is retiring.

The remaining staff is moving to the other office.

I feel like crying.

I know that sounds silly.

But these four ladies (shot nurse, doctor, nurse, and receptionist) I care about.

They were the encouraging smiles and gentle listening hearts as I began this journey with my allergy shots.

We had just moved to a new city, didn’t know anyone, didn’t have a clue where anything was and we were fairly ignorant about a great deal in this area

I remember the nurse taking my blood pressure and telling how to find Walmart.

The doctor (before the virus) telling me it was okay to bring both my kids and our grandbaby to my appointment, because I just didn’t feel comfortable leaving them home.

I remember the ladies’ sweet comments about our baby granddaughter, as we all came to the office for my shots.

Then, after the virus, the care continued in asking to see pictures of our granddaughter, then of our grandson.

Discussions with the receptionist as we both had highschool children.

One time I shared my favorite Youtube link about crocheting.

And many other little moments which have been a blessing.

They have made this time a joy and something to look forward to.

Especially nice, as I rarely go anywhere.

I’m praying for each of these ladies and the changes they are all making.

Although, I’m sad, I know change is part of life and oftentimes a blessing.

Change helps us to value the things we have.

Like today, I am so thankful for the past year and a half with these ladies.

I’m praising God for His provision of what I have had.

No matter what this change brings, I’m thankful.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your blessings. Thank You for the medical professionals who step beyond treatment and into caring for each individual. Thank You for the courage to continue to get up each day and work to help others. Please bless those who are serving. Please shine Your love to them and through them. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

The gift of giving

It wouldn’t have come to mind.

My husband and I were chatting on the patio.

We’d been discussing the begonia.

It’s a beautiful hanging plant, but I’ve been concerned where I’m going to keep it once the weather turns.

My sweet hubby purchased for me, but didn’t realize it’s tender nature.

I mentioned the possibility of it overwintering in our bedroom.

Our windows face the patio and my husband gently pointed out the window lined with four potted Jade plants.

“There’s already several…”

“Honey, don’t worry. I’ll give those away as soon as I know who the Lord wants them to go–oh!”

For a memory flashed into my mind.

Last week I’d asked for prayer for wisdom.

“I have been so blessed by the ladies at the Allergist. I really want to let them know how much I appreciate them, but can’t figure out how.”

There are two nurses, my doctor, and the receptionist.

Four ladies.

Four Jade plants!

My husband was looking at me with a quizzical expression.

I smiled.

“I know exactly what I’m supposed to do. I’ll give them away tomorrow.”

What a blessing!

To use the things the Lord has placed in my care temporarily to give to others.

I’m not exactly sure how I’m going to go about it tomorrow, but I’ll be praying.

It’s in the simple and small things that I want to be diligent.

Those seemingly unimportant details where God speaks so gently.

It’s that still small voice.

I want my life to be a reflection of Jesus wherever I am, whatever I’m doing, and however I possibly can.

Because Jesus doesn’t love people once in a while, or when it works into the schedule.

He loves people.

Period.

I want to do that as well.

I don’t know if the ladies will even want these plants, but I’m praying they will feel loved.

Hopefully, they will feel appreciated.

It’s only a tiny sliver of gratitude for their service to me.

But I praise God for each one of them and for this opportunity to give to them.

I praise God for His provision and the gift of giving.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for these ladies. Thank You for the medical field which has come up with treatment and ways to help me and others with allergies and asthma. Lord Jesus, thank You for this opportunity. Please bless these ladies and let them feel Your love. May Your name be glorified. Amen.

My last Wednesday

Ready to head to the allergist’s office.

Since September I’ve been going to get my allergy shots.

Two, one for each arm, which tells you how many things I’m allergic to!

When our new insurance began, I started coming twice a week.

Every Monday and Wednesday morning to get my shots.

I’ve learned many things about the allergist’s office.

For example, it’s the only place I know of that most people come in quietly and just sit down.

At first this puzzled me.

Doesn’t the receptionist need to check you in?

I quickly learned that she knows the regular people by sight and while she smiles acknowledgement of the person she doesn’t normally need to chat if they are just getting shots.

People come in, sit down, read or get on their phone and wait for their turn.

It’s very quiet.

Unless you sneeze!

Each of us, who are taking shots, have to be watched for thirty minutes afterwards.

It’s a safe guard to make sure we don’t have any major reactions.

The only time every person looked up in the entire room, both the shot nurse and the appointment nurse came out and the receptionist stood was when a gentleman sneezed.

Poor guy, he looked a bit self conscious.

And no wonder!

Normally, people don’t look at one another, or talk, or even acknowledge the other person.

At first I found this a little uncomfortable.

It only took a few weeks for me to realize, most of the time, I don’t see the same people.

So, if the room is full of strangers it makes sense they are reserved.

After all these weeks, I have been able to pick up a friendly recognition from another lady.

I don’t know her name, but we smile and sometimes ask polite questions.

Monday she mentioned Jase’s absence.

“Actually, he’s in the car with his sister. He said it’s hard to work on school work in here.”

She smiled and nodded.

There’s a lot to be learned in the allergist’s office.

Allergies are not picking.

Old, young, middle aged, and children all suffer.

Every part of society is vulnerable.

And although I’m looking forward to not driving into the allergist twice a week, I’m thankful for the opportunity to receive my shots.

I’m also very thankful for the lessons.

It was only a few weeks in when I realized I have a wonderful opportunity every time I’m sitting there.

I can pray for each and every person.

I can be kind and loving to both the nurses and the receptionist.

(Not every person who walks into the allergist office wants to be there. Anyone who has worked with the public knows it can be less than nice.)

I can be friendly and thoughtful.

At times the waiting room gets really full and I was blessed to give up my seat for a mother and her two kids to sit next to each other.

I was equally blessed when someone else did the same thing for me when both my kids wanted to join me.

Life is such a gift and there are incredible opportunities just waiting for me to hear the Lord’s voice say, Pray for him. Or Smile at her.

I praise God for all these Wednesdays, and the lessons at the allergist.

“Lord, please continue to help me to redeem the time You have given me, no matter where I am.”

Ephesians 5:15-16 NKJV — See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.