Grasping Meaning

I have spent my last three months working day in and day out with the mentally ill. 

When I was first hired, deep down I was scared as heck going into this job. I knew that I was placed in the position for a reason; however, truly I did not grasp why I was chosen. However, by the grace of God—I made it through… and loved (almost) every moment of it. 

My last day of work was earlier this week, and reminiscing on the memories this job gave me is slightly overwhelming. 

Although I saw many shocking actions and events this summer, (and always had a story for my mom and dad at the end of the day); I was taught more lessons about life and myself, than I thought a job could ever teach me.

So this is where it gets raw and real, as I share with you some of my biggest lessons from this summer. 

First off-- we are not defined by our setbacks, and the mentally ill are not defined by their illness. Bob is not the schizophrenic, nor is Jill just the bipolar. Each of the people in my facility had a story—and although I came across many heartbreaking stories, there were so many stories of hope as well. There is so much more to these people than just their diagnosis. They are our children, our spouses, our friends, the people who serve us dinner at our favorite restaurant, our doctor, our neighbor, the actor in our favorite movie, the musicians who perform our favorite song, and so on. 

Secondly-- some of these people who struggle are quite obvious, and others are well-hidden—suffering alone, with strong stigmas that prevent them from getting the help needed. Although both equally painful states to be in-- many times we as “sane” individuals, group the obviously “un-sane” into a category of those who are outcasts, abandoned, and unworthy. This is the furthest from the truth. Although these individuals struggle, they are just like you and I. These people have a beating heart which feels, and lungs which soak up the same air. So many of my clients vocalized to me the same things—they feel that they are not good enough, that they are unloved and unlovable, that they are insignificant, that they have no purpose in this life. I was always shocked hearing these statements, but would always remind the individual that they are valuable, they are loved and lovable, that they are special, and they are in this world for a purpose. After telling people these statements, what struck me was that many of these people had never heard these truths before; not from a mother, a father, a sister, a brother, a friend. Even more haunting, a co-worker told me-- “the love we give these individuals might be the only love they have ever felt or will feel”. Every person deserves love, not just the people who are easy to love. I had to show dignity in the times which it was hardest to give. This summer I had to learn to love the woman who cussed me out daily, I had to learn to love the person who altered moods every hour, I had to learn to love the man who tried to hit on me every time we spoke, I had to learn to love the people who tried to harm others, I had to learn to love each person I was around; not because of what they did or did not do—but because they deserved the same grace and love which I am given daily. 

Third-- I learned that my problems are really not that big in perspective of the issues others face. My car may break down, my mom and I may get in an argument, I may find out that a boy sucks—but I really don’t have it that bad. I am actually pretty damn blessed. Seeing the hardships many of my patients face daily made me realize that no matter what situation I may be in, there is always one person struggling more than me. The world is not all about me, nor is it all about you. Neither you nor I are in the center of the universe, and sorry to break it to you hunny, we will never be—it is as simple as that. 

Lastly-- I was shown truly how much power there is in the name of Jesus. Although I worked in a secular environment, and never openly spoke about my relationship with Him—Jesus showed up daily. Working in a setting where you are constantly pouring into others in such a deep way is emotionally, physically, and spiritually draining—however because of Him I was always refreshed and rejuvenated. After every good day, all the glory to God; after every bad day, all the glory to God. 

As I have stated in my previous post, my summer verse was Matthew 25:40, "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' I have truly grasped the meaning of this verse—and I am so thankful for the ways it changed my life this summer.