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.
patientlyhopeful 