by
David Davis
(index)
The Small Things
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,
to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 (KJV)
It is very popular for politicians to say, "Every vote counts", because they
are making an effort to get prospective voters to the polls and vote for
them. Likewise, every parent worth their salt encourages their children to
reach beyond their grasp. You never know what that extra little stretch
might accomplish.
It is also in vogue for preachers, on days of worship, to give
entire sermons on "how one life can make a difference". They
explain how one man, Jesus Christ, changed the world forever.
I can recall one such incident in my life.
On the morning of one of my many surgeries, after I had already been
pre-admitted, I faced one more such journey. The orderlies, in their green
scrubs---it seems like everything in a hospital is either green or
white, came to get me for my trip to the operating room.
After spending what seemed like an eternity in a little "stall" waiting for
an OR to open up, it was finally my turn. I was very lucky, no, blessed, in
that the doctor admitted he was just that--a doctor. Jesus was, and
remains, the great physician.
Upon saying a brief prayer for guidance from above, the surgery was about to
commence.
Over in the corner of the OR, where she was getting the instruments in
order, stood a masked nurse whose name I would never know. As is
customary, the anesthesia was started and I had tubes in one arm, while the
other was evidently strapped down.
That is when it happened. The nurse, noting my apparent apprehension and
plain fright, came to the side of the operating table and gently put one of
her hands in my free hand, as if to reassure me. As I was nodding off into
dreamland, that gentle touch gave me the reassurance that every thing would
be all right--and it was.
While going about her daily duties--the actions of this person who I will
probably never see, changed my life. From that point on I knew the difference
one person can make.
When Jesus washed the feet of the disciples they were in awe. Never had
such a person displayed such humility in their presence. It was an example
that will go down through the eons of time.
Never dismiss the power of a kind word, a pat on the back, or a simple word of
encouragement. For the simplest yet most humble act will not go un-noticed.
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