Sunday, December 22, 2013

Song Lyric Sunday

I had a long day yesterday.  I mean pulling in to work at 7 am and not getting in my car again until 10 at night.  I mean eating one meal but having 2 grande lattes kind of a day.  When parents of the babies I look after start asking "Are you STILL here?" you know it's time to leave.  

I usually find my self with great connection to and sympathy for the babies I work with. I do sometimes wonder about the parents, quite honestly.  Some decisions I see being made don't put the baby first and I struggle with that at times.  I know these thoughts are judgemental and I try hard to serve the families I work with and not think about any other factors.  I know a good connection between parents and their babies is so important for the babies and I try hard to facilitate that.

Yesterday was different.  I still loved the babies in my care and prioritized their needs.  But I was overcome with great compassion for the families.  So many difficult things, so many sad stories.  I was touched today by Pastor Chris' words "This Christmas will be difficult for some people." I thought of the family who have more than one child in the hospital and I spent a good part of my day ensuring they could be together so as to ease the family's stress.  I thought of the parents who received the news that their baby's condition had worsened significantly overnight.  I thought of the many families who have one child in the hospital and one or more at home; siblings separated at Christmas is pretty sad.  I thought of moms who won't see their babies this Christmas for different reasons.

As a Mommy this breaks my heart. I like to think that some of the things I did in my 15 hours at work yesterday helped make things a bit easier for those parents. Some of my running around and repeated phone calls and making arrangements to accommodate them and even bending the rules did something to make them feel cared for at such a stressful time.  

Then talking with an old friend this morning reminded me that many people I love have sad struggles right now and many of my friends may not be where they want to be at Christmas.  

There is a temptation to be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of this sadness. But instead I choose to be  thankful that I can be at work with some parents on Christmas who will need encouragement.  Some parents who will feel like their circumstances are a nightmare. I hope I can be the bright spot for them on that difficult day. I hope I can clearly explain to my own kids why missing Christmas parties with them is ok.  How we are blessed to have jobs, and blessed to be together all the other times, and blessed to be healthy.  

Here is the song that touched me today. Especially the part "when the oceans rage...I know that You love me, Your love never fails..."

Your Love Never fails

Nothing can separate
Even if I ran away
Your love never fails

I know I still make mistakes
But You have new mercies for me everyday
Your love never fails

Chorus:
You stay the same through the ages
Your love never changes
There may be pain in the night but joy comes in the morning

And when the oceans rage
I don't have to be afraid
Because I know that You love me
Your love never fails

Verse 2:
The wind is strong and the water's deep
But I'm not alone here in these open seas
Cause Your love never fails

The chasm is far too wide
I never thought I'd reach the other side
But Your love never fails

Bridge:
You make all things work together for my good