I've previously mentioned that I work for a large insurance company. I recently changed departments in the same group, before I answered incoming phone calls from members and providers, now I answer written correspondence from members and providers. (I should put really anyone who writes or calls.)
I also work from home. I can't tell you how many times it has struck me that I am amazingly blessed to be able to do that - work from home. It saves me money. It has allowed me freedom to be a bigger part of my family. It has also made me a bit of a hermit and hasn't helped one bit with my weight gain... ah, well.
For 2 years I answered phones. Some people were upset - no many, but some - some people were rude, again not many - but some ... my favorite calls were from our members. Angry, sad, happy, confused, ... I just felt a connection with someone who needed my help.
Now that I'm on written I have less time with those members. Not that one on one contact that I used to have....
Yesterday, I received an IM from a customer advocate in Illinois. It seemed one of our members ended up on their line and they needed to transfer the member who was specifically asking for me. Since I just started in my written unit, I can't take calls. So I IMd a friend who agreed to take the phone call.
Later I asked about the call and my friend told me it went fine - somewhere in the conversation there was mention that the member's spouse died recently and I said, "Ah, I remember her. I prayed with her on the phone."
Surprised my friend responded, "What? You did what?"
"I prayed with her."
It's simple enough. Her spouse died, she was feeling overwhelmed with tasks she had never dealt with before and she was weeping much of our conversation. She talked about feeling alone. She talked about how confusing insurance was and how I was so kind in helping her and I must believe in God and know that he takes care of us.
And I said to her, "Ma'am, I can imagine how overwhelmed you are. Imagine the blessing though of living such a long life where you can have a spouse/partner that long? That's a blessing."
And somewhere in there she mentioned prayer and I asked her, out of no where, if she would like to pray with me.
Between tears she said, "Yes."
And we prayed.
The thing is - I'm not religious. Oh, sure, I was raised in the light and tall shadow of the Southern Baptist church and theology. Disciple Now, VBS, Church Camp - I did it.
And I never belonged. It didn't feel right. God, as he was introduced to me, was not known to me. I didn't comprehend judging others. I didn't understand the concept of not believing and therefore you went to hell. That made no sense to me.
And as I got older - and became an adult - I wandered from belief to belief trying to find my way. Catholic. Methodist. - No. Pagan. Nah.
And I discovered that it's hard to put my finger on my base belief - I'm somewhere between a Taoist and a Buddhist. I believe in Christ, though. I do. I believe that he is part of a greater being - Call that Being God - or Allah - or Earth - or WhatHaveYou. I believe that Jesus is an amazing teacher and guide. Just as Buddha is. Just as Earth is. Just as Allah is Just as so many before and after them.
I believe that the teachings of many - are true reflections of the same: Be kind. Be just. Be loving. Be giving. Know yourself. Know others.
For a long time I called this a "Did Do" life. One day I want to be the spirit/the energy that leaves this body and can feel the light and love surround me and I can say, "I did do."
I was kind. I was just. I was loving. I gave to those who needed. I reflected upon myself. I touched lives and they touched me. It is all of that, that I did do.
A few years ago I became an ordained minister. Legally, I am a Reverend. I debated a long time as to why I wanted to do it - and it was to serve others in the form of marrying couples who love each other - with no cost to the couple. I even took a few seminary classes. (a few being 7)
And to my friend that said, "Wow. You surprise me. [praying with the caller]." I responded, "You realize there is a Rev. in my name - it doesn't mean a God thing or a specific belief - it means that I honor your spirit. I'm there if you need that. She needed someone to pray with her."
Prayer is not in my job description.
In fact, I think it might not be something they would ever encourage. There might be a guideline for that.
But I challenge you - anyone - to think about how you truly interact with people - and how you can take that one step to change a path. Just by kindness. Just by reaching a little bit further than you normally would for someone you don't know. Or listening when someone needs it. Praying when someone needs it. Buying coffee for a stranger - because they didn't know they needed that small act of kindness.
...
And this blog was going to be about my not finding the right purse.
Or why I even carry one.
...
Here's your symbol. It's a symbol known by every culture. Every belief. Every age.
When you meet a stranger and you can't speak the same language the common action is open palms. Prayer - open palms. Meditation - open palms.
Supplication. Offering. Hope.
May you seize every possible opportunity to accept and believe.
ߧ
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