The 7 Essentials work -- even with grandkids
Dan Hettinger • October 20, 2023
I was alone with my three month old grandson
and his two year old sister.
It was fun!
My experience as a Chaplain and Care Pastor worked
for my new adventure with my beautiful three month old grandson
and two year old granddaughter.
Ask God for help.
Be other person oriented.
Practice presence.
Listen.
Be patient.
Be safe.
Be ready.
These are the essential skills of care.
In one form or another they have been emphasized
in customer service training and clinical training but underutilized in ministry.
I'm not sure why, because they are helpful everywhere.
I call them The 7 Essentials for Caring that Makes a Difference.
Nine of us gathered for a beautiful Blue Christmas Service.
Give yourself the gift of forgiveness. It brings peace to your soul.
Presence matters, especially in the hospital. It helps cure Hospital Delirium.
Don't push Thanksgiving. But let it emerge, even from the dark experiences.
Let God work in you so you can be patient.
You haven't fully listened until who you are listening to feels that they have been heard.
Prepare your heart to be present.
I wish I could give each of you a hug!
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. I John 4:7a
"To be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God."
