As Daylon often encouraged me before I took my LPN licensing exam last February, "Focus on getting through, don't worry if you feel like you don't know it all because honestly like many things in life that nursing exam really represents a license to learn." And Daylon was right, the past 10 months I have spent working as an LPN I have learned more then I ever imagined!
The things I have learned from a Nursing perspective about life, people, pain (physical and emotional), communication, time management, flexibility, medication and love. All these things I that I have come into contact with over the past 10 months I believe are preparing me for the future, but also are equipping me for life right now. I love my job as a Nurse and working with our U.S. Military Veterans! I have loved learning more about wound care, administering injections, how to work quickly and efficiently in emergencies, and simply learning the art of listening. I feel honored and humbled at the opportunity to serve the Lord in this capacity. Yet there are many nights where I felt inadequate and speechless, but it is in those moments that I am reminded it is not about me or how "well" I feel I am able to communicate, but rather about the Lord shining His Love through me to the Veterans who are broken and desperate for some type of Hope.
The stories of the Veterans I have grown to know and care for are quite diverse and fascinating. I am continually amazed at the ways of the Lord how He has touched many of them throughout their lives. For many of the men and women I am in contact with have had seeds of the Gospel planted in their lives from childhood on. I thank God for each opportunity He gives me to share about the Love and Hope of Christ. Most of the time it seems that I am simply here to encourage what HE has begun in their hearts. I think what really touches me the most about working in the type of facility that I am at is having an opportunity to instill a sense of Value and Joy in Jesus' Name into people who for the most part are at a very lonely and broken season of Life. I see the Lord's hand upon their Lives and I am humbled to witness the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
Everyday is different from the next. There is much turmoil and emotional weight that sometimes rests upon my heart at the end of the night. There are stories of victory and deep sadness. Please pray for the continued softening of the Veteran's hearts at the VA SORCC. Pray for the strengthening of each of the Veterans in mind and body to receive Jesus as LORD of their life and to overcome the trials of this world, that they may find rest in the peace of Jesus Christ.
May the Joy and Peace of the Lord be upon you today,
Victoria Lawrence
"Live fully, Laugh often, and LOVE Always." - (From a sweet "DaySpring" Card)
