Fostering HopeНамуна

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

The shrill ringing of the phone interrupted my Friday afternoon daydreams. I didn't recognize the number. The voice on the line was soft-spoken, but pressured. 'Dr. Shropshire, is there any chance you could talk to the shelter? I just took a baby there, but the baby has a rash and they want me to take him to the ER first.' She paused. 'Tonight is my son's very first football game. I've missed so many of his school events, but I promised him this time...' Her voice trailed off. Being a case worker is way more than a job, it is a calling. To do it well requires tremendous personal sacrifice. Missing ballgames. Not getting home for supper. Midnight phone calls. Stress. Tears. I looked at my watch. Clinic was almost done. The shelter was on my way home. It would be easy to stop by there.

PRAYER FOR CASE WORKERS: These things we ask for case workers: Strength to continue through each day despite weariness; courage to fight complacency; discernment to see the hearts of the families; and renewal to see each family as human, and every child as a child of God. Amen.