Will You Be Good at Your Thing Today?
A Longer Wait
It’s early Monday morning. I’m sitting in the doctor’s waiting room. I’m listening for my name to be called.
Then a new family walks in.
And I know.
I look at my watch. I mentally add 30 minutes to my wait. That’s how much longer I estimate my wait has just increased.
Because the young boy with his mom and siblings is visibly nervous. Like me, he’s here to have his blood drawn. He is not happy about it.
And if his name is called before mine, there’s going to be a long time of hand-holding and reassurance from the nurse before it’s ever my turn.
The Good Nurse
The mom signs in her family and sits down with two of her children while the young boy makes a dash for the restroom. He stays. And stays.
The nurse opens the door behind the counter and calls the boy’s name.
But he’s still in the bathroom. The mother says it could be a few more minutes before he’s ready.
I feel bad for him.
But relieved that they now call my name instead.
I get the good nurse. I’m so glad. Several times in the past she’s been the one to draw my blood. She’s so proficient at her job that I barely feel the prick.
Today is no exception.
I tell her so. She’s used to hearing this praise. But she’s still humble in her acceptance of it.
Be Good at Your Thing
We’re finished, so I grab my wallet and head for the door to drive home. But in the waiting room, the young boy’s name is being called again. With fear in his eyes, this time he’s going with the nurse instead of the restroom.
If only he could understand that he’ll get the good nurse, too. I hope things go well for him and for her.
Maybe this will be the positive experience he needs to release some of his fear.
There are many things we can be good at in this world. Each person has several talents.
But on this morning on this day, this nurse being good at drawing blood might make all the difference to this young boy.
Whatever you do today, if you can, do it well.
You never know whose day you might change.
When’s the last time someone’s skill made a moment easier for you? Share your thoughts in the comments.
revised from the archives
- 10 Book Recommendations About Stories, Responsibility, and Fairness
- That “Friend” Is Not Who You Think They Are
Danny and I both know the importance of having that good nurse who draws blood flawlessly and painlessly, Lisa. I do hope this young boy came away with an entirely new perspective on what it means to have someone competent to draw blood and not be fearful anymore. Yes, may we all be the best at what we do. Blessings!
This is so beautiful, Lisa! I think this is why each of us is so important–we do all have several talents, as you mentioned, and we each have DIFFERENT ones. I would be terrible at drawing blood, but I need someone who is good at it. We need listeners and doers, planners and by-the-seat-of-your-pants-ers. 🙂 So, yes: Be good at YOUR thing. Thanks for the inspiration. Visiting from the Crazy Little Lovebirds linkup.
Yes, it’s such an important aspect of life Lisa, when we have a job ‘do it to the best of our ability’ as there are people that are impacted negatively if we don’t.
Visiting from Stephanie’s linky today.
blessings, Jennifer
The is a great post Lisa and one I hope many people read. Thanks for sharing at the Crazy Little Lovebirds Party #122, where I shared posts #33, 34, and 35.
wonderful illustration! I have been holding the question: what is mine to do? Using it to discern how God is calling me forward. Your story adds to this question and gives it deeper roots. Thanks. Happy New Year!!
Lisa,
I loved this post as I was once the nurse who drew blood from patients every single morning on my department…And I did try to do my best for my patients…Thanks for sharing!! Have a great day!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
My dad was telling our granddaughter that she will be a smart nurse but that she would also make a smart doctor. We need smart nurses just as much as smart doctors, she told my dad. I think we need smart people in every job.
I’m reading this as I prep for a series of medical tests tomorrow. I have very fine veins and it’s always a challenge to draw blood. Grateful for the good medical staff who work my arm patiently, instead of jabbing in different places.
Your post is such encouragement to do what we do well.
A gentle reminder that doing our everyday work well can truly matter. Small moments of care and skill can make a big difference in someone’s day.
I would rather wait for the good nurse than to take my chances with the so-so nurse.
Whatever your thing is…do it to the best of your ability or find another thing!