Well, I've done a poor job keeping this up! So much for a post every day. You know what they say "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars!" The goal of a post every day in residency is more like shooting for the far side of the galaxy and it looks like I landed in a black hole instead! Well, I know you forgive me... if anyone is out there! :)
What can I say about the last year? Frankly I'm speechless. My patients have taught me more in one year than I think I've learned in my entire short life. Each day is filled with joys and sorrows and lately there have been some AMAZING surprises around each corner. What a ride! God is SOOOO BIG! He's taken me to my knees and back to my feet almost on a daily basis. I'm learning the limits of the human body as I push myself harder and harder. I never would have thought I could be capable of intelligent thought at 3 am but I am!
I recently went on a very unexpected whirlwind trip to New York City. I'll never forget standing at the top of the Empire State Building at night. The whole city lay stretched out in front of me and for a moment I stood in awe of what man can do through God. It's God that gives us minds and hearts. It's God that inspired multitudes of men and women to create such a vast city of structures. It's God that daily fills the people of that city with ideas and desires, some of which impact the entire world! Who knows what will go on in that city tomorrow. Who knows what's happening down under all of those lights right now. Maybe someone is making a business decision that will change world finance. Maybe someone is curing cancer. Or, perhaps, maybe a child is dreaming of a future where they will change this skyline or build the next wonder of the modern world!
The view outside my window tonight is much simpler. There are a few small buildings behind the hospital and the highway lays beyond. I'm surrounded by sleeping children who are recovering from various illnesses. Columbia is no New York but there are still big things going on in the rooms around me. Families are banding together. Patients, nurses, and residents are facing their fears. I'm in awe of the miracles that take place in the faces of the kids I serve. In many ways those miracles are as big as the Chrysler Building or the angel in Rockefeller Plaza. Who knows what these kids will do. In many ways it's even more inspiring than the view I had several nights ago. We serve a God who is as everpresent in this hospital as He is in that city. Scripture tells us we cannot contain Him or measure His vastness. 2 Chronicles 6:18 "But will God really dwell on earth with men? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!"
Lord, I'm humbled by your strength and I'm greatful for your wonders. Thank you for this last year and thank you for the moments in life (like last weekend!) when we taste your goodness and get a sample of your love and generosity.
