I can’t believe this just happened! In exasperation, I blew my bangs out of my face as I stepped outside the hospital room. My profession skills had never been questioned before. My patient’s clinical presentation did not match the technology report.
Tech must be wrong.
The patient’s husband was irate. He didn’t want another machine; he wanted another nurse.
After he left on a walk with my supervisor, I returned to my patient, who was in tears. Drawing her bed curtain for privacy, I listened to her emphatically apologize for her husband’s behavior.
I touched her hand and looked into her eyes, “Don’t worry about it. He loves you and wants the very best for you, all with the least amount of pain. I’m sure he’s very stressed about you being here.”
A sad smile lit her face as we continued her care for several more minutes.
Unbeknownst to me, outside the curtain, her husband had re-entered the room. He overheard our conversation and was listening to our more light-hearted discussion about her upcoming recovery. As I completed her care and drew open the curtain, he stood there sheepishly.
In that moment, I clearly saw his regret. Smiling, I spoke softly, “She’s doing great. And, she’s blessed to have you looking out for her.”
His eyes widened then his gaze found the floor. “Thank you.”
Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a hard word stirs up anger.” The gentle answer this time had more to do with trying to see the situation from another’s point of view. When we practice empathy, people’s actions and words suddenly become understandable, even when we disagree.
Empathy helps invoke gentleness.
Gentleness helps restore a congenial equilibrium- or, in other words, – helps us all get along.
Not every interaction I have is bathed in gentleness or empathy- just ask my family. I’m sure they could provide many examples of the contrary! Maybe you, like me, struggle to always find a gentle answer.
Jesus wants to help us through each and every day. He left us the Holy Spirit as our helper. The Holy Spirit can help us be gentle in word, action, even attitude. All we need to do is ask for help. He promises to provide it! Let’s ask Him for help with just that.
Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank You for the gift of gentleness. Please help me practice it as a witness for You. When I fail, help me see it, admit it, and make amends. Please help me have Your eyes, and be able to see things from other’s points of view. In Jesus’ name, Amen.