“And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” 1 John 4:21
Hospital stays can be very monotonous—you feel disconnected from the world outside, you have no idea what the weather is like, you miss milestones in your children’s lives, and you miss Church for weeks. All you experience is what is happening in your room or on your ward. Fire alarms become exciting as they break the monotony—will I see a hospital evacuation in real life?
As believers, how can we love those in the hospital well? How can we show them they are not forgotten? How can we encourage them?
Some ways I was encouraged during my twelve week hospital stay include:
- Visits. Most days in hospital I had visitors—friends and family showed up, and it was something I really looked forward to and enjoyed.
- Bring a journal. One dear friend brought a journal the first day I was admitted into hospital so that I could journal about all that I was experiencing. It was a great way for me to document God’s grace and kindness to me as the weeks wore on.
- Organize a tea or picnic. A group of friends organized a tea in the general area for me. It was such an enjoyable thing to be able to visit with a larger group of friends, have a cup of tea with them and some snacks.
- Bring either potted or cut flowers. Hospital rooms are dull—flowers bring beauty and the potted ones gave me a challenge to keep them alive in less than ideal conditions.
- Books, books, and more books. I read stacks of books in the hospital and the various titles gave rise to conversations with doctors and nurses as well.
- Word puzzles or Soduko. These were great boredom busters.
- Board games. My husband brought Risk and Stratego and we played many times.
- Favourite food or favourite snacks. Hospital food is limited in quality and variety so the occasional burger or milkshake was a hit!
- Cards with words of encouragement and Bible verses.
- Parking pass for the spouse/family. One of my family members bought us a parking pass so my husband didn’t have to pay for parking every time he came to visit and he didn’t have to worry about finding where to buy one. It took that off his suddenly very busy plate!
- Help at home/childcare. One of the biggest blessings was knowing that my husband and children were well taken care of in my absence. In the process we gained two honorary grandmas who came to our home every week to clean and help with the kids.
- Gift cards to restaurants or coffee shops in the area. These were a blessing for my husband when he was driving to and from the hospital to visit.
- Messages letting the person know you are praying for them. And then follow through and pray for them!
- Meals for the family at home. Not having to cook meals was a huge help for my husband as he juggled work, six young children, and visiting me in the hospital, and it also took a lot off my mind as I knew they were eating!
Even though my hospital stay was a very difficult time, I praise God for the kindness He showed through others, and also the things He taught me in that time. May we be faithful to show God’s love to those enduring trials.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our afflictions, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
by Fenna B.
