Gifted, Called, Equiped, Guided

How in the world can you do that? Isn't it depressing?

That's what I hear when folks find out what I'm up to these days. God gave me the gifts to be a pastoral care counselor and then I sought the training. Between the gifts, the training and, most importantly the calling, I have a peace and joy of being used as God's instrument.

I am Chair of the Deacons this year. In my role, I hear of all sorts of needs and it's my job to communicate the needs to the team leads. Some of the teams we have are: Casserole, Handyman, Hospital Visitation, Homebound and Elderly, Emergency Childcare, Transportation, Prayer and Encouragement and more, 11 in all. I am co-chair of the Grief and Bereavement Team which covers a whole host of possibilities.


This week I have been heavily involved with an older couple, the husband, Al (80), has terminal cancer. The wife, Rae (89), has always been emotionally fragile and this is really sending her over the edge. [These pictures were taken at our Valentine's Banquet.] Monday I was there when a representative from the funeral home came to sell them a plan. (More on that below.)

While there, I found out that someone was taking Al to see his oncologist where he would more than likely be told (and he was) that they had done all they could do and it was time for hospice. He is at perfect peace about this but Rae is not handling it so well. Al did not want Rae to go with him to the dr. so I suggested that she and I go get a pedicure and get the report when we returned. God takes care of all sorts of situations and in this case, through Him, I was able to convince her that she really needed a break and he could concentrate much better. Mission accomplished and 20 beautiful toes later.

This afternoon and evening I was there during the hospice information session and intake. Again, I was able to distract Rae part of the time and keep her calm. (All you have to do with older folks is comment on a picture and get them to tell you about it. ;-} ) The hospice person didn't leave until 7:45p, way past their supper time, so I stayed and scrambled some eggs and cheese and fixed them some toast--something easy to digest but full of protein.

Next Monday I'm meeting with my contact at the same funeral home that the salesman came from, to tell him how awful the salesman was when he met with them. The details aren't important but for a solid hour he droned on and on about this book they needed to fill out (family, memories, favorite color (?), and more) and then started telling them a whole host of details about funeral planning, picking out a casket from picutres, the color of the lining, emblems on the side, and on and on he went and wouldn't stop even though they were clearly overwhelmed and anxious. THEN, he figured up a price for the two of them, well over $20,000, and wanted them to sign right then. I physically placed myself between the salesman and Al, put my hand up, like you would do to a child, and said, please stop. They are not going to sign anything today; we will let you know if and when they are interested. Boy he sure didn't like that and out the door I ushered him.

And, this is one of the best funeral homes around, the same one I used for my parents. I know the man who owns it and I think he would be horrified at this man's actions. So, I'm now taking on the funeral home and strongly suggesting that they have an intensive course on sensitivity and listening skills! Plus, our church keeps them in business so if they offend one customer, they endanger a whole host of people finding out ('cause I'd be sure to spread the word!) and loosing a whole lot of business.

But enough of the details of my week. It has been a humbling, gratifying, prayerful week. That God would call me to walk with someone through the valley of the shadow of death; that He would equip me and strengthen me; that He would give me wisdom and even creativity; and that He would give me joy in the intimate relationships I am developing with these two people of faith is almost overwhelming. My cup runneth over.

Thanks for listening to what's on my heart.