Hospitals are for Old People, Right?

Those events in our lives that propel us into adulthood are coming more frequently in my life than they used to and I don’t like it. It’s not that I don’t want to get older (I mean I don’t but that is not the point), but I don’t want to do the things that adults have to do.

I have been dealing with my best friend lately who has been going through an ordeal with her husband. He has a heart condition that has recently had him in and out of the hospital. This morning (Wed.) the surgeons at CMC repaired a hole in his heart. I am out of my league here. I don’t know how to be helpful without sounding trite, saying things like “give it to God.” There is nothing I can do to help my friend or her in-laws.

When this all started about 6 weeks ago, I didn’t really know what to do then either. I could run errands, be there for support, call family, etc. Through the process that I was minimally involved in, I found myself being impatient and critical. I was and still am unable to understand the range of emotions that these people are going through. I am not married and no one in my family has ever been unexpectedly sick or even in the hospital. I have had things in that regard pretty smooth. I watch my friend, who has anxiety issues to begin with, not be able to cope with what is happening. I think to myself “get a grip.” I have thought that she has been so unreasonable in her fear. Hello! I have no clue what she is going through.

All I have been thinking is that she needs to trust God more (which may be true) but what kind of friend have I been? Christians are supposed to be willing to give up anything for Jesus, which many probably are. How many of us actually face that and are able to do it? I have never had to give up the most precious thing in my earthly life and in the same breath still be able to praise God. I am reminded of Southbrook member Kitty Hinkle speaking of how her husband’s death this summer actually brought her closer to God. Wow, that is amazing!

The more I think other people need to change (usually to make my life easier), the more God points out that it is I that needs to change. Instead of my friend needing to change her perspective, God has shown me that I need to be more compassionate to her and people in general.


If someone …sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? 1 John 3:17


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