Difficult Seasons

Hospital

Although it’s been 12 years since I spent time in the hospital with a heart attack, I remember who came to visit while I was there.

I don’t remember what they said.  I do remember that they were present.

The other time I was in the hospital was 25 years ago.  And yes, I remember who came to visit me that time too.  And no, I don’t remember what they said.

Making hospital visits, providing what experts call “Pastoral Care,” is about presence.

It’s not about saying the right thing.  Or about saying something profound.  Or about having answers to difficult questions.

It’s about being present with someone who’s going through a difficult season, and letting your presence demonstrate your caring and love for them.  And about showing the love of God for them by doing so.

Sure, you’ll have a conversation.  Hopefully, you’ll do more listening than talking.  But even if the whole visit only lasts two minutes and very little is said, your presence will be remembered long after your words are forgotten.

And if you just have to have something meaningful and profound to say while you’re there, try this:  “I care about you, and I wanted to come visit so you’d know.”

Tags: hospital visits, presence

This entry was posted on Friday, January 9th, 2009 at 4:36 am and is filed under hospital visits. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.