3 minute read
Chaplain’s Corner
Doing Our Best in Difficult Times
Such are the words of Job, a character in the Bible who, in one day, lost ten of his children and all of his resources (7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 oxen, 500 donkeys, plus the tragic loss of most of his work force). To make things worse, a short time later, Job was afflicted with a painful skin disease that left him in the dirt as a broken man. His wife, having had enough, had this counsel for him, “Curse God and die’. While Job didn’t curse God, all his sufferings certainly made him think about death. In fact, for a period of time, he longed for it, praying that God take his life. Such are often the thoughts of desperate and broken people. When people are going through hard times, it is vital to have supportive and caring people at hand, for we are to loan our strength to others in their time of need. I’ve always found the account of Job and his sufferings to be a bit unsettling; particularly the line, “What I feared has come upon me...” I have a vivid imagination. It would not be healthy for me to ponder the worst things that could happen. So, how do I process what he said? Instead of burrowing down the rabbit hole of “what could go wrong”, I live with the understanding that, “Yes, life is fragile, bad things can and do happen, but I’m not going to live with a spirit of fear”. Rather, I’m going to do my best to trust God, help others, all the while holding on to my faith, which speaks of a world to come in which there is no more suffering, tears, or death. Why such a glum start to an article?
Sometime today, TFS Communications will take a call where the very worst thing has happened in that person/family’s life. After the call is taken, a fire crew will arrive at that person or family’s door, and they will witness for themselves what the communications call-taker heard described on the phone.
As awful a day as it is for that person and family, such is what the TFS, as a whole, is about. Helping people who might be having the worst day of their lives.
Despite some of the horrible things heard and seen, and the toll that it often takes, it is a great privilege to come into a person’s or family’s life with the intention of helping them in their darkest hour. While it might not be possible to take away or even reduce someone else’s pain or trial, how and who we are in those moments that we are with them is of vital importance; the dignity and respect afforded, the compassion shown, the patience given, and going that extra mile. These things, which are called “soft skills,” can make a huge difference. To attend a scene prepared (and this involves all members of the TFS) and to leave a scene having done what was realistically possible given the circumstances, there can be great comfort in just having done that. Sometimes, one’s consolation will be this: “I/We did our best in a difficult situation.” That’s a win! To think to oneself, “I entered into this person’s life on what was their or their family’s worst day. I did what I trained for, and I did my best. I followed to the best of my abilities and my training. I treated the person and the family with respect, patience, and compassion. I worked well with my team. While I can’t change what happened or take away their pain, I did what I could.” Helping, and being with people during difficult times, is both a privilege and a burden. Every member of the TFS family is a vital part of this. We are all working towards the same end/mission. As for the burden of service, it is impossible to “care without wearing”. Carrying our own load, plus that of others, necessitates monitoring and looking after ourselves so that our attitudes stay good and our mind, body and soul remain in a place which allows us to thrive, enjoy life, and continue to serve others. So please, look after yourself, and as you are able, ‘loan your strength’ to others in their time of need.
Thanks for all you do!
West Command Rev. Todd Riley 416-318-9167 tsriley@teksavvy.com
