Wednesday, March 22, 2023

"I Need a Placebo for My Hypochondria"

Deuteronomy 32.8-9 NIV

“When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when he divided all mankind, he set up boundaries for the peoples according to the number of the sons of Israel.

For the Lord's portion is his people, Jacob his allotted inheritance.

When my son was in 2nd grade, he and his classmates had a “thing” for the school nurse. According to his teacher, students exaggerated their ailments so they could make a trip to the nurse’s office. All the children, including my boy, enjoyed a little “nurse-time.” My wife and I were musing about this at the family dinner table. I suggested to my son that he pay another visit to the school nurse. “Tell her your dad said you have been stricken with a disease called hypochondria. It can only be cured if she will give you a placebo.” All of us had a good laugh, including my boy, although I was pretty sure he had no idea what “hypochondria” and “placebo” meant.

I have a strong suspicion the school nurse enjoyed the kids as much as they did her. Although I never met her, the woman sounded like a truly loving and caring human being.

We all need a little “nurse-time.” You and I get emotional ‘owies’ and need a spiritual Band-Aid periodically. It’s quite okay to visit Jesus even if your hurt is a bit exaggerated. Here’s a little secret… Jesus enjoys the visit as much as you do.

When the Lord divided up the nations and “set up boundaries for the peoples,” He awarded each tribe of Israel a portion of land as their inheritance. God also awarded Himself an inheritance also.

“For the Lord’s portion
is his people, Jacob his
allotted inheritance.”

You and I are His “portion.” We are “His allotted inheritance.” Why He wants us, we may never fully understand. Like the school nurse who secretly enjoys serving the children who clamor for “nurse-time,” our Heavenly Father gets a real kick out of being with the kids who want to be with Him.

It’s comforting to know that Jesus loves spending time with me for any reason, or even no reason at all.

1 comment:

davescriven said...

Here's the text of an email response I got from my son's school nurse who read this blog entry. She seems like such a wonderful person...

Greetings from placebo land :)

I enjoyed your little blog ,it made me smile. But best of all, it made me reflect . He is ALWAYS there and wanting to spend time with us, His children. What a wonderful truth. Your son is delightful and you have guessed my secret,I really DO love those "serious" visits with the kids.

Thanks again for the reminder!!!

Pam