Monday, December 15, 2008

Mission 4 Monday


I would like to talk about a mission today that I feel is very important, but is not often thought of. Due to my momma's various illnesses, and my own, I have spent quite a bit of time at hospitals. When you are waiting on a loved one to come out of surgery, it can sometimes take hours. If your loved one is in intensive care, you have no idea how long they may be there. Waiting rooms can be a very lonely place, and you get hungry. But, you really do not want to leave to go somewhere and eat, and vending machines truly offer no great options. Some people cannot afford the vending machines, or hospital cafeteria. Some churches come to hospitals, and bring food into the waiting rooms for the families that are waiting there. I think that is such a wonderful thing to do. If your church does not already participate in a hospital food ministry, please consider doing this. You will be blessed for your efforts, and I know the waiting family members will be very appreciative, I know I was.

21 comments:

Lisa said...

What a neat idea, I will have to remember that. I know our church has done that is some form, taking people meals to the home after surgery. I still like the waiting room idea.

Irene said...

So useful and doable! Thank you, Denise.

michelle said...

that is a fantastic idea!

April said...

This is such a great idea! I, too,
have spent plenty of time in hospital waiting rooms, especially when my mom was dying. What a wonderful way to provide for those in need during such trying times.

Sorry I missed your previous posts; we had a busy weekend. Congrats on your awards! I, also, want you to know that I'll be praying for your and your husband this week as you have various doctor's appointments scheduled. I'll be praying for good reports. Also, I know it will be difficult for you to visit the graves of your mom and brother. Just remember that God will be with you and He'll bring you comfort.

Take good care, Denise!

luvmy4sons said...

Wow. That is a GREAT idea. We spent lots of time there with both of my in laws before they passed. GREAT idea! You are so precious!

Speaking from the Heart said...

What an awesome idea. I will have to pass this one onto my church.

Ramblins of a middle-aged goddess said...

Yes I have been in waiting rooms where food is brought in. Such a wonderful idea!!

Debra Kaye said...

Denise,

What a great idea. I know the times I have been in those waiting rooms, it is just as you have described...you don't want to get up and leave and most times you are hungry.

Hugs to you, sweet one!

Anonymous said...

My Daddy died the week after Thanksgiving 2006. Someone brought a Thanksgiving meal to the intensive care waiting room. It was very much appreciated. You've right this is a very good mission.

I just love Santa holding all the bears.
Mama Bear

Michele Williams said...

Fantastic idea! Thanks for sharing this, I will bring this up to our church. Love you...

bp said...

This gave me chills to read for some reason. Something so easy yet so often overlooked. It would be a very powerful thing to do though. Thanks for sharing. Praying for you today.

Amydeanne said...

that is a great idea!

Anonymous said...

That's a great idea, Denise! I can't tell you the numbers of days I and other family members have gone completely without eating because we didn't want to be where Studly's doctors couldn't find us.

You are just way too smart about being able to take situations like this and figure out how to make them opportunities for service!

Love you!

Aunt Angie said...

When Wanda was in the hospital someone from a church did bring a goodie bag filled with snacks...it was a great idea...although we weren't in the eating mood--the men did snack a bit.

I LOVE the new look of your blog! Prettiest Christmas decorations I've seen!

Love you!

Sandi said...

What a wonderful idea!. I going to pass this along to our mission committee. We often look for ways to serve locally too.

Peggy said...

Blessings Denise...Again your heart shows another WINNER for a wonderful ministry that's needed &
what a great service this is...
You are such a blessing! You have great ideas that truly are a Mission of Love! Looks like it has moved many people! Let's pray that their words become action in Jesus' Name. Thank you for linking & sharing with Mission 4 Monday!

(Mr. Linky disappeared but I found you anyways)I'm going to list them now in my post...in case Mr. Linky never comes back.

Grace said...

Wow! Denise, you are very right. I never realized this needs. Our focused used to be on the patient. I hope I can remember this when needed. I just pray that it will not be my loved ones.

Blog is no more said...

Never thought of that before, what a great idea!!

Shirley Mary said...

When my brother was in the hospital a large basket of "goodies" was brought to the family in the waiting room. We all appreciated it so very much.
A wonderful suggestion and I hope others will participate in a hospital food ministry.

mary

Sharon Brumfield said...

Yes, I have spent a good bit of time in waiting rooms over the years.
And something like this would have been such a God send. I never thought about doing this...truly this is a great idea.

Bernadine said...

Such a great idea. I spent many weeks in a waiting room when my mom was in the hospital. I know this would be a blessing.