You don't have to be a big meanie about it

Do you ever get the feeling that those in the medical field forget they are dealing with sick people?  I understand how it could happen.  I don't even hear kids cry or fight sometimes because I'm so used to it.  So I understand how it could happen.  But sometimes, it would be really nice to hear a kind word or even tone from the people you are dealing with at the doctors office.

Our kids have been sick.  Our sickest December ever I think.  I've had a sinus infection and have been sick since Thanksgiving.  The kids have had an eye infection, an ear infection, and now three have bronchitis.  I have been to the doctor seven times in the last week, and up with kids in the night.  I'm tired and the kids are tired.  Having to keep going out (to different doctors) when sick and not be able to just stay home and be sick, isn't helping.

Some of these doctors offices have been so frustrating.  I forgot my wallet at home when I went to my appointment.  I have been to this clinic before and yet they still made me drive all the way home (with four kids) to get the insurance card so they could actually see it.  Shouldn't they have that information all ready?  Didn't they make a photo copy of it?  Whatever.  I guess it made the 1 1/2 hour wait go faster as it seems like they kept my place in line.  The kids regular doctor looked at them and said they weren't sick, it was allergies.  No it's not.  I know you're a doctor and you're supposed to know, but it's not.  And I ended up having to take those three all back to the doctor later in the week.  So frustrating.

Yesterday I took two of the kids to an urgent care.  I had to call another doctors office to find their phone number.  I was all geared up to be stressed out and mad but the lady on the phone was so wonderfully pleasant and helpful.  I wanted to reach through the phone and hug her.  Her sweet tone changed my mood.  It gave me the boost I needed to face yet another looong morning with kids at the doctor.

Our words and the tone we use matter.  It changes things and can either inflame or diffuse a situation.  I know that when I sound crabby with my kids it affects how they talk to each other.  It affects how my husband talks and how the kids respond.  That sweet lady on the phone yesterday was such a good reminder of this.

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.

The other day I heard from one of my kids "Fine but you don't have to be a big meanie about it."  No I did not and she was completely right.  Sounding like a big meanie doesn't help anything.  Praying for a day today where I have gentle words with those around me.  Nincompoops at the doctor included.