I was dreading going to the hospital this week. The wavering continues when it comes to chaplaincy. However, the things my patients say to me continually remind me why I do this work called chaplaincy. Some of my favorite visits happen right when I get to work at 7am… pre-surgeries. A lot of patients request a chaplain to come pray with them before going into their procedure. Many are anxious - understandably so. The prayers prayed over anxious hearts and minds are special. The very first person I saw today said to me with tears in their eyes, “Thank you for being here.” Well, I needed to hear that more than that person ever might have known. Faith is a gift and I believe it is a gift to be shared. Generations of my family had the gift of faith and I often wonder how far back that gift went? Part of me feels it is my responsibility to share it and give it to others who are seeking or lacking in some way. Today, every patient I saw reminded me of the call. Art feels far away from me right now, but I know that it won’t be that way forever. It’s coming on Christmas, only two days to go. All I can think is, “Jesus come back and get us.”