“For as in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another.
Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them…”
Romans 12:4-6 (NAB)
I was at a dinner banquet this week, given for all the volunteers in the hospital. The volunteers are the ones who give their time to bring comfort or joy to patients and visitors who could be facing the most frightening time in their life.
Volunteers do various tasks like bringing patients from place to place for tests, giving directions to visitors, or helping the chaplain ministry by visiting patients to pray for them or serve them communion. There are pet therapy teams of volunteers, who bring dogs to patients of all ages. Some volunteers specialize in the pediatric departments, bringing toys and games to children as they are recovering. Then there are the magicians who entertain and bring joy to brighten up a child’s day.
Seating at this annual event was random, and not assigned, so as I arrived, I sat at a table, and soon afterward, three magicians arrived and joined us at the table. The other seats were filled by my fellow chaplain ministry workers.
The magicians shared stories about their experiences on the pediatric floors, where they entertain children of all ages. Whether a child has survived a motor vehicle trauma, or is recovering from surgery, or was admitted for a series of diagnostic tests, those magicians are ministers, bringing joy to children. It takes something special to cheer up children who have been through the most frightening experiences of their young life.
One magician shared an experience where the father was uncertain if his daughter was in the mood for magic, but he permitted him to try anyway. At first, the young girl looked very melancholy, but the magician began his routine and before long, the girl smiled and laughed. When he glanced at her father, he was crying. The magician asked him why he was crying and the father said that it was the first time in many days, that he saw his daughter smile.
The three magicians shared a few other stories of their experiences, but they all agreed that they receive back far more than what they give to children, through their services.
Those three magicians reminded me of the three magi who visited young Jesus, and probably made Him smile. Each volunteer brings gifts to their particular volunteer ministry to all ages, but it’s a special gift from God and a ministry to bring joy to children.
Every volunteer does according to the different graces given to them by God. The church, world wide, is like a hospital in this world, ministering to the spiritually sick, recovering or the dying. Just as hospitals have a team of volunteers with diverse gifts, God has given specific gifts and talents among church believers throughout the world. Instead of using their gifts and talents to reap recognition or rewards, Paul teaches that we do everything for the Lord. So, whatever we do, we do for Him, because we all belong to the Lord. (Romans 14:8)
There were seven of us sitting together at the banquet table that evening and we all laughed with surprise to find out that five out of seven of us had won raffle prizes. I attribute it to sitting with the three magicians, who served for decades, by bringing joy to sick children.
Those who minister to children are especially blessed, since the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. (Matthew 19:14)
Lord, thank you for those who serve others, in hospitals as well as in the ministries of your church. Bless those especially who bless children, and help each of us to recognize our own gifts and calling. Amen
