Pictures that Are Works of Art

As a pastor, I am privileged to speak with families as they face very important decisions regarding medical care and end of life issues.  These are some of the most sacred times in which I am honored to share with members of my congregation.  This is hallowed ground and is set apart from any other component of pastoral care.

On Saturday, I went to the hospital to visit someone in the Intensive Care Unit.  Questions surrounding how to proceed with medical needs was at the forefront of the conversation.  At the heart of my visitation, I heard stories of family connections, and past hurts, and past successes.  What came out of his narrative was a picture of a man who struggled to make something of his life, even in the midst of great adversity.  It is an amazing portrait.

I left the room, only to catch another glimpse of another room.  I saw a dedication of a medical team, working to save someone’s life.  At least five or six people medical professionals where giving the best that they had at that moment to make a difference.  Here was a beautiful picture detailing the importance of one life.  This person mattered.

One of the most breathtaking paintings that I saw that day, was something that usually would go unnoticed.  In one of the other rooms, there was an elderly man that was heavily sedated.  His middle aged son was rubbing a salve on his lips because they were dry.  I wanted to enter the room and tell the man that I hope someone will be that kind and understanding to me if I ever wind up in that situation.  I wanted to tell him a million things about his kindness and how it moved me.  I said nothing, knowing that he was serving the elderly man out of absolute love and devotion.  While he was not aware that anyone saw what he was doing, it was witnessed.

These pictures that I was honored to see are masterpieces, all teaching me that the power of God is an amazing work of art.  Love makes its broadest strokes in the hearts and minds of those who serve humanity.  It paints with bold colors, inviting the miraculous to witness our amazing connection to and with the Divine and with the community.

Today, I am blessed and grateful to be able to witness these wonderful works of art.  How profound.  How staggering.  How amazing.  This is the God that we serve.  This amazing One, who leads us in the way of passion and hope.