Night Moves

        In about an hour, I'm starting a week of nights on the Medicine service. God has seen fit to allow me to be under the weather for the past day, so I am in great need of strength, wisdom, humility, and love. I haven't been getting enough sleep lately and have worked in the hospital for at least a short period of time literally every day for the past 28 days, so I am not starting out with a great deal of energy. That being said, I have had some great times of fellowship and prayer over the past month, and hope to draw upon the encouragement of those times during the month of medicine before me. I'm looking forward to a great month of learning, laboring, and loving. Pray that I would be present in each moment with each patient I see.
       Though I love it here, I miss many of you-- my family and close friends from the different stages of my life. I also miss the mountains. It's tempting to idealize North Carolina. I am also filled with thoughts and dreams of the future, and it's no less tempting to idealize that. Again, pray that I would be present in this moment. God has amazing things stored up for me this month, and I don't want to miss them. I want to love better and live by higher standards, but I can't without this Spirit's presence in my life. So finally, pray that the Holy Spirit would be present with me in each moment-- that it wouldn't be just me. That's the Presence that will change lives.