Purpose

The round mechanism on the dialysis machine turned like a hamster’s wheel. Each rotation massaged blood through the long tubes. So many tubes; so much blood. Ruby Brooks drifted in and out of sleep from the rhythmic hum of the motor. The transfer of the life-giving liquid from her body into the machine and back didn’t seem to disturb her.

The nurse continued to monitor the changing numbers of her vital signs.

“Are you comfortable?” The nurse asked.

“Oh, yes.” Ruby opened her eyes long enough to answer.

The two responded to each other with the ease of an elderly couple. Five hours of continuous interaction can bring about the familiarity I witnessed in the few minutes I had been in the room.

Nurse Eve placed a chair across from the bed.

“Get comfortable.” She encouraged. “Don’t mind me.”

Her instruction turned out to be difficult for me to execute. Each time she entered the room, Eve walked between the bed and where I sat. When Ruby was awake enough to converse, the necessary intrusion often brought our conversation to a halt.

“What were we talking about?” Ruby would ask when Eve departed.

After an hour, I got into the rhythm of Eve’s visits every sixty second (I’m not exaggerating) and helped Ruby track with our conversations.

“It’s not suppose to be this way.” She stared at me; her eyes clear and alert. The most they had been during my visit.

I waited.

“How do I go on when I question if God will answer my prayers?” she asked. “Do you think I’m strong enough to handle this?”

Eve walked in before I could answer. For once, I appreciated the interruption.

Ruby wasn’t asking me about her physical health, but her spiritual one. I didn't have answers for what was happening in Ruby’s life. I listened some more, we talked, and I prayed for her. Three hours has passed before I stood to leave.

“Thank you” she said.

“For what?” I stood by the bed and held her hand.

“For listening.” She smiled.

I adjusted the oxygen tube under her nose before I walked out. Then the struggle in my heart began. I wanted to ask God why. He never promised the Christian life would be easy, but for over ten years I had watched Ruby help others even when she struggled. She helped me. She changed my life.

When I was angry with God and wanted nothing more than to walk away, she reminded me God didn’t cause my pain. God understands hurt. He watched his own son die an agonizing death because He loved me. God had a purpose for his son’s pain.

I walked toward the exit.

Nurse Eve rounded the corned with the dialysis machine. We headed for the elevator together.

“She’s a special lady.” Eve said.

“Yes, she is.” I said.

Eve stopped and looked at me. “It’s her faith. She’s always talking about God. Mrs. Brooks has strong faith.”

I smiled.

“I don’t see too many patients around here with faith like hers. She’s a remarkable lady.” Eve said.

Nurse Eve pushed the machine toward the staff elevators.

It’s her faith. Ruby had shared with me her struggles and yet someone else saw her strength. When she didn’t realize it, Ruby ministered to others.

Was Eve a Christian? I don’t know.

God has a purpose for Ruby’s pain, even if I don’t like what she’s going through.


“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.” Hebrews 12:1-3