©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com
Beep.Beep.Beep.Beep. The sound seemed to be coming from me, but I checked my phone and that wasn’t it.
Beep.Beep.Beep.Beep. People in the hospital waiting room turned to look at me.
Beep.Beep.Beep.Beep. What was that? Could that sound be coming from the small roller bag containing my books and the personal items I was holding for my brother while he was in surgery?
I unzipped the roller bag. The beeping got louder.
With today’s police procedural shows – and real world news stories – you can imagine the looks my beeping bag was causing.
As I dug inside, I discovered what was causing the alert.
Based on the anesthesiologist’s recommendation right before surgery, my brother had given me the pump that dispensed his life-sustaining insulin. Insulin input would be handled directly while he was in surgery.
The item I pulled out and held in my palm read:
Lost sensor signal.
Move pump closer to transmitter.
May take 15 minutes to find signal.
I pushed a button I thought would turn it off and it silenced.
Whew. But a few minutes later…beep, beep, beep again.
And, again and again every few minutes for almost four hours.
At first, I held it in my hand while reading a book and turned it off right away when it started. Beep. Beep. Beep. Bzzz.Bzzz.Bzzz. Apparently it vibrated too.
That beeping and vibrating kept reminding me something wasn’t right. Initially when it would beep I would say another prayer for my brother.
Eventually, I buried it under a sweater and books at the bottom of the bag. Even then I could still hear it faintly.
When my brother got out of surgery and in a room, I talked to the nurse about the beeping.
“It’s searching for him,” she said. “To give him what he needs.”
“It will keep beeping until he gets closer to it.”
Aah…
Ever hear the beeps? Feel the buzzes? God calling?
At times we may feel disconnected from God. Isolated. Alone.
We may question whether He provides what we want, what we think we need. Maybe we even move away or disconnect in an effort to be more independent instead of staying close and connected to Him.
Sometimes worry or heartache or troubles can interrupt or block our connection.
Yet, God keeps reaching out even when we detach or move out of communication.
At times, we may even seek enjoyment, solace, or peace in places distant from the life-giving, life-enhancing Source of abiding joy and everlasting peace.
We may feel lost in life and out of range of God’s care.
But God is still there.
Seeking us. Calling us. Reminding us.
It’s up to us to “move closer” and reconnect.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-28 NIV
- What is a hospital memory you carry with you? One where you felt God’s presence?
- When is a time recently that God sent you a reminder of His love?
- How do you remember that God loves you and cares for you?
- In what ways can you best stay connected to God this week?
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.John 10:27-28 NIV
For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.1 Peter 2:25 NIV
Remember…
Life is Better When It’s Full – Joy-full, Thank-full, Purpose-full and Friend-full! ™