This week I completed some forms for a chaplaincy training program which I will start in October. The program is through a local hospital and will last 6 months. It will involve some class room training and a few hours each week spent in the hospital working as a chaplain. I signed up because I believe I will learn some additional skills which will help me as I minister to others who are facing difficult times. It’s not that I feel poor or deficient in this area. Unfortunately, I have faced plenty of those experiences already. I have walked these paths with some friends before and I have already had the chance to develop some of these skills.
It’s just that I think it is always good to add more tools to the tool belt … and I know I can learn more in this regard. I also know that when people are sick and hurting, when they feel like they can’t go on, when it is hard for them to even open their eyes any more, the time spent with them is precious. I know I want to be able to make the most of that time even if it is just sitting there in the silence with them holding their hand. Sometimes in those situations there are questions people ask; sometimes in those moments there are things that need to be said, conversations that need to be held with them or family members. I want to learn the best way to say those things. I believe the training I will receive will help me in that regard. I expect to learn how to better listen, engage, minister to and meet the needs of those who are in situations where they need the services of a chaplain, a minister, and someone who cares. Please pray that I will be the student and the servant that God has called me to be.
God has your back! 