February 28, 2006

H.A.L.T.

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

This is a note about making decisions, a word of valuable advice I received many years ago from a wise friend.

"Never make major decisions when you are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired," he said.

It is wise advice I have violated many times, usually to my detriment.

This is stacking up to be an incredibly stressful week around Florida Hospital. We're on "pins and needles" awaiting the promised arrival of JACHO surveyors. We're wondering how a change in presidential leadership will impact our daily duties. We're worried about making sure the plants are covered for tonight's promised frost. We're trying to pack 16 hours of work into the first few hours of today.

And, then there is family.

"Never make major decisions when you are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired," he says.

If you're hungry, eat. But stay away from sugar, fried foods, and caffeine. Those may feel good at the moment, but they'll not keep you focused over the long haul.

If you're angry, forgive. "Leaving it behind and moving on" is the very best antidote for anger.

Lonely? Even in a crowd? That's OK. Most of us feel that way every once in awhile. Three things may help: 1) Compliment someone on their clothes, their work, or their smile. 2) Visit a patient in their room. 3) Write a "Hello" note to a friend you haven't thought about recently.

Tired. That's a feeling we all recognize. So, take a vacation! Visit the Grand Canyon, Cozumel, a tiny village in Italy, or wherever else you can go in a calm 3 minutes. You can resettle your life.

Then, and best of all, tell God how you're feeling and ask Him to lead you through the decision matrix. That'll make everything easier...and better.

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Dick Duerksen
Assistant Vice President
Mission development
Florida Hospital