As we walked in the hospital we were overwhelmed with the cheerful atmosphere of the building, from a child speaking over the intercom as you entered the elevator, to a HUGE hot air balloon hanging in the middle of the building. There were pictures and statues of African animals everywhere. Bright colors surrounded you...but, there was something else present as well. Something that I can't quite put my finger on, something that I don't have words to describe. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about...sickness, worry, fear. It was all around us.
There were three little kids who walked in behind us and yelled out "Hi Berniece!" to the lady behind one of the registration desks, to which she smiled and responded with a "Hello" by name to each of them. It broke my heart that these smiling children behind me came so often that they knew the registration clerk by name.
We saw families of all races, ages, sizes. We saw women with children, we saw men with children...but mostly, we saw the children.
As we got back in our car I bowed my head for a moment and thanked God that we had only been there for a minor appointment. Something that most families in there would pray to come for rather than what they are dealing with.
I am so grateful to have 2 healthy children. I am so thankful to have had life experiences that allow my heart to meet those around me who are struggling more on their level. Although it's hard because my heart breaks so much more often, I am blessed to be able to see what I DO have, and be grateful for it.
No comments:
Post a Comment