Como una mariposa

Today, during a small break from all the Doctor's appointments, tests & procedures, we had lunch at the "Peace Plaza". It's a peaceful little cafe/park area in the middle of all the skyscraper hospital buildings that patients can come to for a small dose of tranquility and solace in the midst of the chaos, anxiety, and pain that is Mayo Clinic. People come here from all over the world: Chile, Syria, Iran, Kenya, Sweden, including many Amish as well as people just like us. All here, hoping for a miracle, at the world's most accomplished and well known medical facility. A place where hope and dismay collide.

 

Being here, we have seen the problem of suffering first-hand. Not only in our own lives, but in the lives of all the people at Mayo seeking treatment.  It is such a troubling concept, that a good God would allow and perhaps instill such suffering in the lives of his people. It leaves one really questioning things and racking one's brain for an answer.

 

I bought a book at a nearby bookstore, called The Joy Factor, by Susan Jones. I read something in the preface that really spoke to this whole idea of suffering. In her introduction, Susan says:

              

 "My automobile accident taught me that dark nights of the soul can reveal the true purpose of suffering: that out of our pain we can rise, expand, grow, conquer, and acheive new and ever-better things. Like the butterfly that is strenghened by its desperate struggle to break out of a constricting cocoon, we too can emerge stronger, wiser, and more resilient because of the painful, difficult times in our lives. In those times we learn to simplify life, clarify values, sort out priorities, and cherish our true friends."

 

I also read a devotional a few weeks ago that spoke of a similar idea. It talked about how when bees are "born", they have to struggle to come free from their encasement. Some scientists thought they would help a few bees out, and removed the tough outter shell. They learned afterwards, however, that without the struggle of freeing themselves, the bees were unable to remove the wax that covered their wings. So, they did not struggle to be born, but they also could never fly.

 

In addition to learning these life lessons, I learned a lot about nursing by being at the Mayo Clinic. The Doctors we met with were helpful, but it was the nurses who went completely out of their way to help us. One nurse even took time out of her lunch break to make a few phone calls and arrange for mom to have a test that no one else could figure out a way to get scheduled. Many nurses went the extra mile or two and made a complete difference for us. This has really encouraged me to look for opportunities in my future career where I can be just as helpful to people in need. I am so proud of my profession and cannot wait one more year to be an RN :)

 

Monday will be our last day of appointments. We are praying for solid answers by the time we leave. There are many tests that we will be getting results back from soon, and that will hopefully help lead to some conclusions. I know there have been a lot of people praying for us, and that has definitely been felt. So thank you!

 

God is so mysterious, and life is so surprising. I was not intending on being the one to come here with my mom, but after our house flooding, I ended up changing my schedule. One thing God is definitely pounding into my brain this summer is that I am not in control, no matter how much I pretend I am. The tighter I attempt to hold on, the more God starts prying my fingers off and teaches me to trust. I know this will be a lifelong lesson, but I guess I am glad I am starting to learn it young. :)

 

 

Como una mariposa: Like a butterfly.