Labor and delivery nurses are a rare, special breed. We are at your cervix—uh, I mean service! Do you need those good ice chips? Another pillow? A warm blanket? We got you! You need a stat C-section or help with your postpartum hemorrhage? We got that, too! And actually, like it or not, and most people do not, we are in fact, literally at your cervix! And we do it all with a smile. Humor is our middle name; sometimes dark, but usually just goofy.
Yep, we like to laugh a lot. Snack a lot. And talk a lot. Once, the bosses put out a sign reminding us to use our “library voices.” I’m not sure if a labor nurse has ever met a library voice!
But the other day I enjoyed a few minutes of sitting and laughing and talking with a couple of friends. Somehow, and who knows how, the art of the “stop by” was struck upon. You know the “stop by,” right? Many years ago, before these Zoom calls, before face time, and even before texting, you would hear your doorbell ring, or maybe just a knock, and Liz’s grandparents would be at the door. Just stopping by. Just saying, “Hi.” Checking in. Liz loves a good “stop by!” Bring them back she says! Sure, a “stop by” could ruin a good nap or a Netflix binge, but like Liz said, “You never know what will come from a stop by. The best things can happen!”
Made me think more “stop bys” at the the throne of Grace would be good. We don’t have to wait for the once weekly appointment at Church or even the twice weekly appointment at Prayer Meeting. No, we can do a “stop by” any time. Driving, doing dishes, or doing sit-ups. Walking a trail, walking dogs, or pushing a swing. Working, snacking, or schooling. The opportunities for a “stop by” are endless! And we don’t have to worry about ruining or interfering with His time. Incredibly, the God of the universe has time for even me and Liz. And the “stop by’s” result? Well, like Liz said, “the best things can happen!”
“Let us then “stop by” God‘s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 LNT (labor nurse translation)
Note: If you don’t trust that translation the good ole KJV says, “Let us therefore come not with library voices, but boldly, unto the throne of grace…”
OK, that may still be the LNT!