"I'll Race You!"

“I’ll race you!!!” These are words you don’t hear very often in a hospital setting…. however I found myself saying them just yesterday in the hall. The situation: the locked doors to the Pediatric unit had to be badged open for a visitor, and my student nurse and I looked at one another with a gleam in our eyes. She quickly started for the door, and I willingly allowed her the honors this time. (Besides, I had already put in my 6 miles for the day!) We had a good laugh about it later, after I had congratulated her on her win.

Three things really stuck out to me from yesterday’s shift:

(1) Humor and lightheartedness is so very important in our every day lives. Smiles and laughter go a long way – I’ve especially appreciated this recently. Working as a nurse is not sunshine and roses all the time. It’s hard work! A good portion of the time we don’t even get to see the fruits of our labor. I really appreciate the joking and lightheartedness of my co-workers. Humor definitely makes for a more fun work environment!
Proverbs 17:22 - A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

(2) I am actually experiencing having student nurses assigned to me! It was not so very long ago I was one myself, and here I am with my very own! *evil laugh* Just kidding… don’t worry – I take good care of student nurses, it’s all still very vivid in my memory of what it’s like to be one.

(3) I’m getting slow in my old age. I didn’t even care when the student beat me to the doors. In fact, my little legs only carried me two steps in the direction of the doors, and then stopped before giving out. (just kidding… but I did let her get the door this time.) This reminded me of one of my favorite Bible verses:
Isaiah 40:31 - But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Hope everyone had a good work/school week - hope you found some time to laugh and enjoy God's beautiful creation!

P.S. Hope everyone stayed safe in that blizzard we had! Yes, I worked through it, and forged my way home again through it all. Thankfully, God granted me traveling mercies!