moving fast towards him
Lizzie Chitty recounts how writing down what God is saying and doing in her life has deepened her walk with him
If you are anything like me (or indeed most of the nurses that I know), sitting down really isn’t your strong point, and the idea of more documentation seems like another obligation. I hear you! I confess some days I barely have a minute to breathe or go to the toilet, let alone have a meal break, so even thinking about doing some of the other disciplines, like praying or reading the Bible on a workday, just doesn’t even register.
Getting a quick prayer in while scrubbing up for a case in theatre is often all I can manage, so I was looking for ways to be able to spend time connecting with God outside of work. As an extrovert who loves a good natter and thrives on bouncing off other people to reflect on the day or come up with new ideas, journaling didn’t seem like the natural fit. But I have been challenged recently to embrace what it says in Psalm 46:10; to ‘Be still, and know that I am God…’
The vulnerability of staring at empty pages in a leather-bound journal has been so beneficial, as I get to take stock of how God has been with me throughout the week, and I’m reminded of God’s goodness amidst the chaos of work and life in general. I have found the words of Psalm 139 coming to life as I realise that God was with me as I went to my shift and when I came back. His Spirit was working through me on the most horrendous days. And I can ask him to show me how I can reflect him more in these situations.
By being still, I actually feel like I move faster towards God because I allow myself to hear him rejoice over me with singing, which humbles me to remember that I do his work in nursing, not in my own strength, but in his power. Being the hands and feet of Jesus can be exhausting work, so the invitation to sit at the feet of Jesus and lay your burdens down (Matthew 11:28-30) could be just what the doctor ordered for you.
Lizzie Chitty is a theatre nurse working on Mercy Ships, and volunteers a a Global Link for the CMF Nurses and Midwives Team.
