A Norvell Note
March 25, 2024 Vol. 28 No. 12
Stay In Your Lane
I like it when people stay in their lane.
I recently had a medical procedure. When we entered the door, a lady behind the window asked me to sign and sit. A few minutes later, another lady behind the same window called my name, took my ID and medical information, placed a wristband on my left wrist, and asked me to sit.
After a brief wait, another lady called my name and escorted me to the prep area. There, a nurse waiting for me hooked me up to some of the equipment, gave me instructions on getting ready, closed the curtain, and told me to say, “I’m ready,” when I was ready. I did that and said, “I’m ready.”
Another nurse who had been entering my information into the computer continued and asked many questions about my health history and medications. The first nurse brought Kim back to wait with me. As we were chatting, the doctor explained the procedures and reassured us that everything would go well. A short time later, the anesthesiologist came to ask a few questions and explain what I would be experiencing.
A few minutes later, two other people came to take me to the surgery room. Kim and I kissed and said I love you and they rolled me to the operating room. There, I was greeted by a nurse who hooked me to the machines and gave me oxygen as the anesthesiologist quietly started the anesthesia meds. I drifted away in a peaceful sleep.
When I woke up, a nurse (along with Kim) greeted me and helped me get ready to leave. Once I was awake and dressed, a young man was there to roll me out the door.
I like it when people stay in their lanes.
No one fought to do a different job. The nurse in the operating room did not complain because she was not the doctor or the receptionist. The doctor did not fuss about his job or pout about working on Wednesday morning. The next day, I received an email asking about how I was doing and if I needed to speak with a nurse.
I like it when people stay in their lane.
Not only do I like it when medical team members stay in their lanes, but I really like it when the members of the Body of Christ do the same. And it seems God likes it, too.
”For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.“ (Romans 12:3-8 NIV)
Use the gifts God gave you. Serve in your area of giftedness. Find your lane and stay in it; you will enjoy it, and so will everyone else.
Tom
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