Tip Your Nurse

Psalm 63:5 -- "My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth offers praises with joyful lips."

Having lived on this planet for eighty-six years, now - my grandfather is bound to have a few hick-ups in his health. This past year has been a rough one for him in this regard, and so it was with great joy that we collected at his house for our annual family Christmas dinner and gift exchange. It was, as it always is, a comfort to hear his voice and watch him settle in to his favorite chair. In fact, my favorite gift this year was the warm and slightly chaotic family Christmas experience with Papaw in our midst.

With more than a few stays in the hospital under his belt this year, I can imagine that he was pleased and relieved to be in his own home. Especially during the holidays. But - like a thorn among the roses - and smack-dab in the middle of his elation to be back in his own house, a letter arrived from the hospital in which he had so recently been staying.  One would expect a patient survey or some kind of check-up in the envelope. Perhaps, even a thank you for allowing said hospital to handle his medical needs, but tucked inside the unassuming envelope was a request for a financial donation. Not for cancer research or to help those who have no insurance - no - it was a request to donate to the doctors and nurses affiliated with this particular medical institution. 

Really?! 

After slapping my grandfather's insurance company with more than one bill this year the hospital wants my recovering Papaw to send a financial donation to the doctors and nurses?! Isn't caring for patients - I don't know - their JOB?! Aren't they kind of paid to work at the hospital? Why do they want additional compensation for something they were hired - and PAID - to do?! It boggles the mind, does it not?

In Psalm 63:5 we hear a thankful soul sung out in satisfaction. We get to read about a spirit in complete contentment. And the REASON for this heart-warming praise? David explains in the previous verses that he has been to the Sanctuary where he witnessed the Glory of God. He expresses gratefulness for being in God's presence. This is during a time when David was on the run from people who were trying to have him killed and take his thrown! 

I love that later in this chapter David says "in the shadow of your wings, I sing for joy." He sings! On the run! Away from the comforts of hearth and home. 

The thing that caught my attention through-out this particular chapter in King David's life - was that David doesn't ask to be compensated for going to the Sanctuary. For ruling his people. For giving praise to our Creator. Why?! Because those are all things David knew he was SUPPOSED to do! Kind of like a job at the hospital, David was instructed by God to be King and caretaker of God's people. That's it! That was David's JOB!

David then sings out that he is satisfied with marrow and fatness. In the middle of a harsh land under stressful circumstances, David sang out with JOY! I absolutely LOVE that David isn't asking for further compensation just because the situation got a little sticky. No, instead, he tells God that his soul thirsts just to be in our Father's presence, like water in a dry and weary land. 

Aren't there moments when we would really like to be noticed for doing the right thing? Do we want additional compensation for fulfilling God's purpose? Do we seek recognition when we teach a Sunday School class or make a breakfast for the people with whom we fellowship and worship?

Fulfilling God's purpose is our "job". We should do this job to the utmost of our ability and in thankfulness. Others shouldn't be expected to give us shiny tip when we do what we are supposed to do. No - our endeavors come with the job description.

Now, I've witnessed AND experienced God's gracious blessings. God does, indeed, gift to us on numerous occasions during our life-time. But I can tell you this with confidence, He sure doesn't have to. And WE should not be greedy with the request for compensation to do something we were created and SAVED to do.