Let me tell you a story.
I was pressured (positively) into calling for an appointment with a chiropractor. This doctor was a family friend. I was assured that he would probably be able to fit me in. I promised to call after another call I needed to make and I did.
The receptionist sounded very positive and upbeat, but she did not give attention to me and my problem until after expressing the fact that it was a holiday weekend and there was certainly no way to see me until sometime next week. I was speechless. Not functioning. I felt berated. I felt like an annoyance.
I had indeed forgotten that it was a holiday weekend. It was my fault that I had chosen to wait until Friday afternoon to realize that I might need some help. I could have called the previous weekend. I could have heeded the advice given and taken care of it earlier on. But I hadn’t. All my fault. And I would suffer for it.
I told the receptionist to nevermind as soon as I got my voice back. And then I might have curled up into a ball on my bed and cried at my stupidity for a few minutes. Or I might not have.
She had me where she wanted me. I was in need. And she was selling. I was at her mercy. I called back. She knew who I was and smugly tried to accommodate me into their schedule – next Tuesday.
Now, the fact that I had actually called and set up an appointment with the mysterious practitioner of Chiro, my spouse was clued into how much pain I was actually in. He stated that I should call around and see if anyone else could get me in sooner. Tuesday was a long time to wait.
Call around? I had actually made 3 calls already that morning and I was way over my quota. Did he know anyone? No. Had he ever heard good reviews of anyone? No. Then how was I supposed to know who to call? Well, first, call and try to find someone who will take you sooner than next Tuesday.
I sat paralyzed staring at the Yellow Pages for quite some time. One name kept popping out at me. I recognized it. Possibly a relative of a grade school peer. But I didn’t know for sure. I started looking at addresses. I started visualizing offices. But that one name kept sticking out. There was another name that was associated with the same address. The phone numbers were only one off. The other doctor's ad said “see most new patients same day.” I’m not entirely certain what that means but it sounded good. It even occurred to me to ask some people that I trust whom I know have visited a chiropractor before. But that would mean more phonecalls. I was fudging between the name I know and the phrase that gave me hope. And finally that Spiritual nudge made me call the name and NOT the phrase. I assured myself that the person on the other end would not know who I was and therefore couldn’t make fun of the fool that I am.
The nicest, motherly voice answered. Words came that I didn’t know I had. Were they taking new patients? Lol. She heard my pain and despair in my voice and took over. Yes, Tuesday was too long to wait. Could I come in at 2:15 today. Really? Truly? Seriously?
I was there early for paperwork. The receptionist carried on a conversation with me while I waited and after I had filled out the forms. She knows what my life has been like for the past two months. She was so very easy to talk to. She has a gift for people. She made me feel welcome. She knew the information I needed to be comfortable. And I felt safe and cared for.
You know… I have it on good authority that I could have used my connections to get in with the first doctor. I am not that kind of person. I am not assertive. I do not throw my weight around. In the end, I am much more comfortable knowing that the doctor I am with took me because I was in pain and he could help. It’s a holiday weekend and I have my third appointment with him this morning.
I love my family and I sincerely appreciate their genuine concern. I would have gone to see him and I am sure he is excellent. But I don’t think it would have been quite as good of a fit.
Why did I tell you this story? People help people. In some relationships, I am always the giver. In others I am the taker. I would like some balance. I need people. I don’t like to admit that. I am happy to struggle along on my own. And sometimes if feels like others think that it is preferable that way.
And also the following verse. It all fits together. At least for me. I saw where it was done wrong and I have firsthand experience with it being done right. I would choose right every time. Small is good. Small is preferable. Much gets lost in grandiose.
You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first…
Galatians 4:13 (ESV)
No comments:
Post a Comment