Amanda* offers hospital chaplaincy in a time of pandemic, an unfolding tragedy following on the heels of a devastating Nashville tornado. Still, she is insistent upon keeping her eyes open for "the good gifts of today". Rather than being in denial of pain, Amanda shares with us the necessity of setting limits for oneself, seeking regular therapeutic support, and acknowledging the stress that helping and caring for others can place upon your body and your mind. For her, poetry (both writing and reading) is vital, allowing her space to breathe and process all that her heart is facing and trying to make sense of.

Amanda acknowledges the challenge of carrying the suffering and grief of others, along with daily discerning where her authentic presence will matter most. Her commitment to avoid automatically doing 'spiritual things' for those she encounters is admirable, with her choosing instead to first learn about who they are and what they love. Might we all be willing to answer our deep inner call for connection in similar ways.