Griffith Observatory

Mega Tantrums and Superhero Parents

                                  
Romans 8:28
One thing I love about going to new places or environments is that it elicits a lot of observation and random thoughts I'd otherwise look past in a familiar setting. Work, a pediatric icu unit, has been this "new" stage for observation lately. I've been repetitively noticing the beauty of parenthood. I think previously I always appreciated it, but lately I see more of the struggles of it in real time. It's fascinating, admirable, and selfless. While by no means do I understand parenthood or am anywhere near being a parent ( I'm still a 5 year old myself), being around parents and their children has given me a smidget of insight to what it's about. I've encountered some of the most patient parents in the world! Children have the ability to throw the biggest, ugliest, mega tantrums known to man when they are not feeling well and are fearful. From a nurse who only cares for patients 12 hours a day, I found my patience being tested through these mega tantrums. They cry at the sight of doctors, yell to refuse medicine, and aren't consolable without their mum and the magic of bubbles/toys. But I look at these sleepless parents who are by their child's side tending to their every need day after day. In the back of my head, I thought, these kids will never know just how much their mom or dad went through even in the future. I've seen how much it hurts parents to see their children hurt. I remember distinctly a time when I was tearful seeing my crying patient as he had chest tubes removed. It was a painful experience! I'm not even his mom! Is this what motherhood is like x 10000?! All this to say, I couldn't help but think, if parents in a tainted world are so great, how much more is the ultimate parent, God the Father, so good to the tantrum child, me? I am that kid that doesn't know what's good for me or not. I refuse to obey even when it is best for me to do so. Instead I am only able to see my immediate feelings. I am the ungrateful child who fails to see the sacrifice made for me. If it pains a parent to lose a child, how excruciating must it have been for God to sacrifice His Son? Praise God who is perfectly patient, loving, sacrificial and trustworthy!

How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measures, that He should give His only Son, to make a wretch His treasure.
 

My Hope is Built, Norton Hall Band

Romans 8:18-25
One of my favorite hymns! Reminds me that all things are fleeting, but Christ's blood and righteousness are everlasting. Placing my hope in what is worthy, not the empty promises of this world.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

When darkness seems to veil His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath His covenant and blood
Support me in the ‘whelming flood:
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.

On Christ the solid rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
On Christ the solid rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

When the last trumpet’s voice shall sound,
O may I then in him be found.
Clothed in his righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before his throne.

August Digest

August has been such a full month of learning and change. When I thought about what to write, I couldn't seem to choose one thing. So, I thought that this post would be about various thoughts of last month to help me digest all that has happened. Brace yourself as you enter my chaos :D

Retreat 

Philippians 2:12-13

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 

Reflecting on this past summer retreat theme, alive, I've been thinking about the importance of living out the Christian life actively. Because we are in union with Christ, who in essence is life, our lives as followers of Him should exude life and vibrancy.  A couple questions I took away from Pastor Peter's sermon were...

• Are you actively pursuing Christ in his word? 
• Are you actively pursuing communion with Christ in prayer?
• Are you actively pursuing fellowship?
• Are you actively pursuing the lost?

There is always the danger of passivity in all of these areas. For example, I can easily do my daily devotions without really pursuing Christ. I can pray a prayer without any substance or genuine care. The list goes on. These are things I have been found guilty of. I appreciated this retreat to refocus and assess myself and ways I wasn't pressing on in my relationship with Christ. I was encouraged to take a look at the wonders of my salvation. The more I recognize this, the more I can strive for a life of working out my salvation, as Paul talks of.

Work

It's been a bit over two weeks transitioning from the student life to the work life. Since much of my time is restricted to work, one thing I've wanted to work on is being well balanced. I actually read a good article on balance this morning...found here

Christians are called to a balanced life. That does not mean doing everything in moderation; rather, it means being obedient in every area of life. 

Perfectly stated! I realize the work life doesn't allow as much spontaneity as before. There is less time to do what I used to do, but now with more responsibilities. It's been a good challenge to take care of family, work, spiritual/physical health, church, relationship responsibilities. I am still in the process of working through the kinks, but I realized my outlook should be, as the author states, trying to obey God's word in all areas of life.

This period of entering the work life is also filled with opportunities to expend myself for His kingdom. In my youth (though I have the soul of a granny haha), saying yes is so easy. There aren't constraints of "bigger adult" responsibilities yet. Woo! It's so great to build deeper relationships and serve in unique ways that were difficult as a student (especially nursing student). This is the part I look forward to in this next chapter of my life.

Speaking of work, I also realize the seriousness of my job. I literally gasped when my nurse educator said, "you, critical care nurses". It hit me that no longer will I have someone watching my every move for mistakes. DUNDUNDUN! I'm really grateful for all that has been entrusted to me, while also being nervous for the mistakes I will make as I learn.

Thanksgiving

Since this is my last month of being on the day shift, I've also been tirelessly meeting up with people. Afterall, I will become nocturnal soon, awake at hours that people are all asleep. Anyway, I've been so thankful to God for these awesome people who have challenged me intentionally and unintentionally this past month. Who am I that God would care for me through these individuals? Though I cannot see God, when I look at some of the people in my life, I see a glimpse of God's characteristics in these individuals. Sincerity, compassion, wisdom are a few that I have been challenged with this month.


Overall, August was a beautiful month. Hello September :D