Hartford Hospital & The Spirit of Adoption

Went on my first hospital prayer visit for a non-relative tonight. In fact, I'd never met the guy.

Sat alone in tiny Neurology room--clearly not made for visitors--in the chair that I had pulled out from the corner. Crossed legs. Set bag on floor. Looked at the stranger...

...but he didn't seem like a stranger. Maybe it was because he was in a medically induced coma and therefore unable to respond and make it clear that we'd never even seen each other before... but there was something more. Something that goes beyond common connections made by human interactions. Something deeper than proper introductions and "getting to know you" small talk. I wasn't looking at a stranger. I was looking at my new brother. A regular visitor to my parents' church--newly saved.

Tonight I had the opportunity to experience the bond of family that the Holy Spirit creates--no words or team-building/experience sharing strings attached. The spirit of adoption. Man was it powerful.

When we interact again someday...and speak face to face...I wonder if we'll sense it... or if it will get swept away with the ways of the world.

"Lord.... Lord. I don't know what I'm doing."

I got a few jumbled, awkward, silent words together...

Felt the stirring of compassion...but nothing clear to focus on and pray for.

I opened my tiny pink Bible.

Flipped through a few scripture-filled note cards, barely glancing at their contents, when one unmistakably jumped out at me:

"My life is hid with Christ in God. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who liveth in me." (Col. 3:3)

My whole chest and tummy grew warm.

"Excuse me?" A doctor lady entered in the room... checked a few stats... introduced herself and asked who I was.

She looked at a list and didn't see my name. I didn't want to go yet...but it was really time to give Sue a turn.

"Who gave you permission to be here?"

"His mother," I replied. "She just called in to add us to the list--me and Sue"

"Who did she call?"

"The front desk..." ...?... "I mean.. the nurses' center"

She walked away to check.

I waited for her to come back before getting back into prayer... but she didn't come. It was time to let Sue have a chance... but I didn't want this woman to think that I was running because I had lied about being there!

"Oh well... I'll see if she's still at the desk." 

She was.  I waited until I got her attention and then asked if everything checked out. She reassuringly said yes and apologized.  She looked at the clock asked how long I'd be staying.

"I'm going to let Sue come in now... Her daughter.. is... out there…" (My true eloquence was shining through).

I turned and walked to the door.

"She seems sweet," were the words spoken behind me.