At first glance, it's just a minor incident: an internship supervisor with a slightly different approach than others. But what I learned from that has stayed with me. It happened over 20 years ago, and with some regularity, the lesson I learned comes back to my mind. That's why I'd like to share it with you.
Life lesson in practice
During my nursing studies, I do an internship in the operating rooms. The day is filled with cataract surgery, a procedure in which the clouded lens is replaced, allowing the patient to see sharply again.
I had already learned what to do as a circulator, so I get to prepare everything for each patient and indicate it to the doctor and operating assistant. But I still didn't know how to do it properly. My supervisor for the day lets me do all the work.
There are about twelve people scheduled for the morning. The pace is fast and I get into trouble. I can't manage to do everything right. That feels very unpleasant. I don't want the doctors or patients to be bothered by my clumsiness. At that moment, I wish my supervisor would step in and help me. But she doesn't do that all morning.
Deliberately not, she shares at lunch.
If my supervisor had removed all the stumbling blocks before I fell over them, I'm sure I would have appreciated her help and had a nice feeling about the morning. But I wouldn't have learned much then.
She has observed me in the morning, knows what my problem is and how it can be remedied. More importantly, I myself experienced what was wrong with my approach. I gained insight into my bottlenecks. Now I am much more open to learn and change.
Through the experience I am much more open to learn and change.
In the beginning of the afternoon, she teaches me the right way to work. She instructs me how to allocate my time correctly, so I don't keep switching between waiting and rushing. Soon I can do it myself and the rest of the afternoon program goes smoothly.
Learning lessons from life
The situation I am describing here may not represent much at first glance. But the lesson to be learned from it is important. Not only for me, but also for you.
How much we want everything to go smoothly and to be able to feel comfortable. So that we can thank and praise God for His blessings.
Unfortunately, life here on earth is not such that everything runs smoothly. Often we find ourselves in situations that are unpleasant, difficult, painful. Moments when we ask, "Why, Lord? Why are You putting me in these circumstances?" Maybe you even wonder if it's a punishment.
God, our Teacher
God is a loving, compassionate God who takes no pleasure in seeing us in trouble. He always has our best interests at heart. That is why He gives us freedom. We are free to make our own choices. When we make wrong choices, we get into trouble. Making mistakes can come from our own fault, outside influence or lack of knowledge. Whatever the cause, the Lord is always ready to forgive us if we ask.
God's method of teaching us important life lessons and shaping our character is very similar to my supervisor's approach in the operating room. He sees and knows us. He knows what our problems are and what we need.
He in His providence brings you at the right time, in the right situation. He can use circumstances to wake you up and soften your heart so that you open your eyes and are willing to listen, learn and/or change.
If you are in trouble, it may cloud your view at that moment. Perhaps your focus is on the facts and what has occurred. Bring everything into prayer and ask God to refocus your view. What is it really about? What lesson does the Lord want you to learn in your life?
Know that God is always near you. He wants to listen to your prayer every moment and He will help you at the right time, in the right way.
"For we have not an high priest
which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points tempted like as we are, yetwithout sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
Hebrews 4:15-16
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