If you forgot or haven’t read the last “God Nudges” blog, I wrote about resigning from a job I loved and the people I worked with. I decided I wanted to experience other areas of nursing. I had worked in pediatrics for 30 years. My next job found me working for the other end on the age spectrum of life. I worked for an agency that provided meals for seniors in the community doing home nursing assessments and making wellness checks on a regular basis. Little did I know that this would prepare me for my next job. I learned so much about my county and the services that were available that proved to be so helpful as I responded to another God Nudge.
I think it was in 1991 or 1992 that my pastor, Rev. Bill Johnson, handed me an article and suggested I read it. Then said, “I think you should do this.” I will never forget it. I took the article home and read it. “Wow, this is awesome,” I thought, “for someone else…I wouldn’t know where to begin.” Doing a little research, I discovered there was a place to go for training to be a Parish Nurse – today it is called Faith Community Nurse. I learned there was a symposium in Chicago coming up where I could learn more and talk with nurses who were involved with this ministry. Unbeknownst to me, a woman in my church started a secret fundraiser by making necklaces and selling them to raise money to send me to this symposium. I still have my necklace made by Shirley Myers. Another nurse went with me so we could gather as much information as we could by attending all the workshops. I was convinced we needed to begin this special ministry in our church. But hesitant that I was not the one because I didn’t consider myself a leader. I preferred working behind the scenes and not leadership. We talked. We prayed. I listened to the nudge.
Long story short, I completed the training and became a Parish Nurse. I was a pioneer in West Michigan as there were only a few of us in those early years, overcoming many obstacles. I had the honor of being on staff at Grand Rapids Aldersgate, Grand Rapids First and Wyoming Park UMCs. It was by far my most favorite job. I am thankful these churches embraced this ministry. A Parish Nurse assists the pastor in providing pastoral care, helping people understand wholistic health – caring for the whole person – body, mind, spirit; I added relationships (relationship with others and with God), and leading study groups and so much more. Listening to this “nudge” had a huge impact on my spiritual journey and understanding that a “calling” to serve God comes in many ways and that there are lots of ways to serve.
I share all of this to say God Nudges come in lots of ways. This one came from another person. Sometimes people see gifts and talents in another person that we do not see in ourselves and supports, encourages and prays for them and with them. Is there someone you can help God nudge through your support, encouragement and prayer in helping them to recognize their special gifts/talents to serve our God? Or have you been nudged already? Listen to the God Nudges…they are there for us to respond.
