My first dream job as a pediatrician was at a small clinic.
There were 3 other doctors who were well established there with a wealth of experience. Fresh out of training, I was grateful to start this journey under their wings.
They taught me everything, from correctly identifying rashes to properly using medical records to showing me how to educate families.
They threw me my first baby shower, gave me parenting advice, and demonstrated how to have work-life balance. I felt like their baby sister, and I couldn’t have asked for a better team.
About three years into this practice, I accepted a position at another clinic, which offered a new opportunity. It was a bittersweet moment as I shared the news that I was leaving. They threw me a farewell party, and their parting gift to me was a framed photo of the four of us.
I took that beloved frame to the new office and placed it gently on the shelf above where I sat. As I acclimated to my new surroundings, I would look up and be reminded of my first work family. I missed them.
At this new location, I was the one with the most experience. Because I had made the choice to move, my previous experienced colleagues couldn’t guide me like they used to. It was impractical. Physically impossible. They were there and I was here.
The photo was nice, but their image couldn’t walk me through what tests I could order on a patient or what treatments options to consider.
If only they were here.
In John 13, Jesus shares the sad news with his disciples that he is leaving the world to go back to his Father.
“Lord, where are you going?” Peter asks. “Lord, why can I not follow you now?”
Thomas: “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”
You can feel the confusion and sorrow.
They don’t want to be left alone…without help, without guidance.
But Jesus comforts them, “Let not your hearts be troubled….”
Then, he says something that is so profound and poignant, “I will not leave you as orphans…”
How is that even possible?
How can Jesus leave to be with his Father, but still be with his disciples?
How can he be THERE and still HERE?
John 14:26 give us the answer, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said.”
Jesus knew they were sad, but he left them with a gift. Not just a frame to put on a shelf.
It was a gift with POWER. The gift of the Holy Spirit.
In fact, he told them it was to THEIR ADVANTAGE that he left, because if he didn’t leave, the Helper would not come. “But if I go, I will send him to you.” John 16:7
You and I will never have the incredible opportunity to walk to dusty roads of Jerusalem with Jesus.
But you and I have the wonderful, tremendous, MIRACULOUS opportunity to talk to, listen to, and be comforted by the Holy Spirit. The amazing gift that Jesus left us-His Spirit. And we can access him today. Right now.
Thank you, Jesus, for not leaving us as orphans and for the gift of your Spirit!
~Elizabeth/Betsy
