Hospital Waiting Rooms

I’m headed in just a while to a hospital waiting room and I’m not for sure what one additional presence will do to alleviate the stress and cares of a precious family whose dear husband/father will undergo surgery to remove a cancerous growth in his brain. Sometimes I really don’t know what to do, so the “autopilot” kicks in the cockpit of my life. The “autopilot” says that going to a hospital waiting room is the right thing to do; even if my friends don’t expect everyone to put their lives on hold for a few hours during their time of need. The “autopilot” has verses stored in memory in case one is needed during a conversation although I hope my “autopilot” also knows that during this time, listening is a better flight plan than talking. My “autopilot” says to grab a couple bottled waters, crackers, and kleenex to have on hand for the family, although no one is hungry. Eatting is the last thing to do while waiting for the word that all went well. Ever feel totally helpless when someone close is flying around lost in a storm? This family is not lost; but there’s a storm around them and it’s pretty ugly. Perhaps in the midst of a storm, when the autopilot is on, it’s important not to be alone. So if my presence can just alleviate that “alone” period, then maybe it’s what I have to offer. My God says, “Fear Not, For I am With You.” God is there and although He doesn’t need me, He somehow allows Himself to be seen through me, just by offering my presence. I don’t understand how that works; I’ve just been a witness to it and know it’s true. So, I’ll go and see what the day holds and maybe capture the sights and sounds or maybe I just won’t notice what’s going on around me.