Inspiration Column - Adventist Medical Center

Store Bought Christmas

Heart's Longings
By Pam Strachan, chaplain, Pastoral Care

My cousin recently sent me a poem about a man who needed to hear clearly from God. He whispered, "God, speak to me," and a meadowlark sang. He yelled, "God, speak to me," and thunder rumbled across the sky. He looked around, "God, let me see you." A star flickered brightly. He shouted, "God, show me a miracle," and a life was born. He cried out in despair, "touch me, God, and let me know that you are here." God reached down and touched the man, but the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on. The poor man missed out on a blessing because it wasn't wrapped in the package his heart desired.

At one point, I needed to hear clearly from God. I whispered, I yelled, I shouted and cried, "Lord, let me see, let me hear, let me feel." He sent gentle nudges to communicate one simple word, "chaplain." I despised the name, brushed it away and resisted with every fiber in my body. I resisted so much that I even went to my chaplaincy training interview with an attitude, hoping that they wouldn't accept me for the program, but they accepted me on the spot.

Recently after meeting with several chaplains from different hospitals around the city, I sat at my desk for a moment reflecting on my life as a chaplain at AMC. I thought how wonderful it is to be a "chaplain." It feels like the best ministry in the world. I'm convinced that God has a sense of humor. In my reflection, God gave me this quote, "What your heart resists the most may be the key to unlock your heart's truest longing." Our heart's longing may not come to us in a package that is most desirable, but if it comes from God, it is certainly the best for us.