Blessing 23 of 52
This week was full of firsts, thanks to my new Hospice role. I’m still pinching myself that this is even real. Even though I had a lot of “new blessings” this week, the one that made the most impact was when I shadowed the chaplain.
When I started volunteering for Hospice, the spiritual aspects of the life transition captured my heart the most. In our volunteer training the Chaplain presented to us and I felt a calling. I knew that my soul wanted to provide peace to those transitioning from planet earth to the next realm.
When I received my training schedule as an official employee, I got sooooo excited when I saw that I would be shadowing a chaplain. I was going to be able to experience the spiritual comfort and guidance in real life! And, it truly was a beautiful experience. I was honored to see first-hand the care, peace and comfort the chaplain provides in the most pivotal time in a human’s life. I was able to hear stories and memories told by the patients and witness phone calls made to their loved ones telling them how much they love and care for the. Even the chaplain was in tears and moved by the moments we experienced that day.
I’m truly in awe of this work and the heart space Hospice employees tap into. I feel so blessed to be a part of something bigger than me.
“Not only was I able to be present with them, but I was also able to provide chaplaincy care to them, not because of the color of our skin, but because I had learned about who God was for them and how they lived their theology. My prayers reflected their theology and their God and enabled them to begin their grieving process. I learned that it was not about me and what I believed; it was about them and what their belief system was and who God was for them.”
― Stephen B. Roberts, Professional Spiritual & Pastoral Care: A Practical Clergy and Chaplain’s Handbook