November 29, 2011 with 8 Comments

477.

#1 Most Annoying Question

I’ve thought about it long and hard, and I think I’m ready to commit.

I am going to share with you the #1 worst question I get asked in the Emergency Room.

It usually comes right as I’m getting ready to stick the first stitch in the 3 year old’s face.

Or it inevitably comes on the busiest night of the week.

And it almost always comes in inverse proportion to the severity of the chief complaint.

Go ahead and try to figure it out on your own. I’ll give you a second. No? Ok. I’ll tell you.

The #1 worst question a patient can ask an ER doctor is:

How long is this going to take?

Are you kidding me?! Please tell me you didn’t just ask that. Remember when your first grade teacher told you you can’t ask a stupid question? She was wrong. You just did.

But I’m going to quickly get off my ER high horse and try to expound on your question with grace.

See, you don’t ask an ER doctor how long it’s going to take, because you simply don’t have a choice. The fact that you are in the ER insinuates a problem you cannot take care of on your own. The fact that you are in the ER indicates that you need the doctor.

And can I remind you that some things ought not to be rushed?

Like sewing your beautiful child’s face. Or figuring out what medical dilemma lies behind the pain your child is going through.

You get the point. The ER is a situation that demands great attention and care. The ER is a place that demands time.

I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking “I get it. The next time I go to the ER I’m going to tell the doctor to take as long as he needs”.

No. You still don’t get it.

The doctor doesn’t want your comments on any timeline. Period.

I’m sorry I just temporarily got back on my high horse, but I’ll get off again.

The thing about the ER is this: you don’t need to give your opinion on any timeline.

When the doctor needs to rush, he will. When the doctor needs to slow down and think – he will.

The bottom line is this: the doctor knows best.

Otherwise you wouldn’t be in the ER at all, would you?

Now why don’t you step out of the ER with me and enter into the throne room of grace – your prayer life.

Do you see it?

The point is obvious: either the doctor knows what he’s doing, or you better start running.

But you’re in luck, because no matter how bad the question is, this doctor’s not going anywhere. He gets that you’re impatient. He gets that you don’t always get the big picture.

But he still looks up at you and smiles.

It’s going to be ok, He says. I’ll take as long as I need, and before you know it, you’ll be home.

Just trust me.

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  • Milo

    Trust is key in all relationships. Most specially, in our relationship with God. God takes His time to keep us close, hopeful and to teach us trust. He grows us through the waiting time. May we learn to trust more and depend on God’s judgement in patiently.

  • Kristi

    I’ve heard this ‘lesson’ before, but I love your ER analogy as I’m thinking (hoping!) it might have hit home….or at least planted the ‘Truth’ a little deeper so it’s not so easy for me to forget.

    Thank you for your faithfulness, Lina. God encourages me through you.

  • Carri

    Great point Lina- I had to laugh a few times:)

  • Gina

    This was good! I’ll also keep in mind to wear running shoes if I take a spill again.
    Just in case I ask the Dr. that question :)

  • susan nelson

    Amen! Oh and God thank you and Blessings for all ER Doctors!

  • Heather Gaunt

    More than the doctor not going anywhere, is Him longingly, lovingly, graciously waiting for you with open arms and no judgement. With heart and hands open to hear and to listen and to graciously give you all that you need in the most deeply loving way you have ever experienced. Not only is my doctor the great physician who heals me, but he made me and knows me inside and out better than I know myself. He will never be short tempered or ungracious, judgmental, or rude. He will always always always love me beyond my wildest imaginations so deeply I cannot fathom it. To HIM be all the Praise and the Highest Glory and Honor. Thank the Lord above, Our Heavenly Father the God of the whole earth is His name. God is the one who knows me inside and out, and answers all of those needs without me being able to speak them because I don’t know myself all that I need or that He has for me and is willing ready and able to give me.

  • Linda

    So true — thanks for the great insight.

  • Deb

    Oh I love this one!

    I continually ask God “how much longer” and then I am reminded that I may not be ready! Thank you Lord that you know exactly what I need and how long it will take. Help me to trust in you…God I beleive, help me with my unbeleif.