Values

Yesterday, I was at the clinic.  Actually  not there for myself, but was waiting for my son to come out from his sport exam. 

I was looking around and noticed a sign posted on the bulletin board which declared that healthcare organizations mission and values. 

I read through their values: courage, passion, resolve, advancement, family.   Now, none of these are particularly poor values.  The interesting thing to me was what was lacking- here in a healthcare setting- what about compassion, mercy, kindness, loyalty...?  At the least, compassion?

Being a wonk, when I got home, I checked the website for another healthcare facility (next farthest from us).  This healthcare organization is a private organization.  Here were its stated values: Reverence, Integrity, Compassion, Excellence.

Hhhmmm, that was striking to me.  Although the one we go to is a bigger networked organization, and closer to home- it is more and more a 'run you through the system as quick as we can' motivated one.  But- they do follow their values organizationally.

The second organization, although farther away and smaller- is gaining a more and more favorable reputation, as it follows its values.

As you are looking for healthcare options in your area (if you have an option; we are very rural, which means little to no options)-  You may want to take a look the values of that institution.  Sure, it isn't usually our first stop when looking for information about healthcare facilities, but maybe we should be paying more attention to them...and communicating to the administration about our responses to their said values. 

Actions follow beliefs (values). 

I am reminded of Micah 6:8 today
" He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justice, to love ^[a]kindness,
And to walk ^[b]humbly with your God?"

and of the verses which speak to loving your neighbor as yourself- Lev 19:8, Matt 5:43; 19:19; 22:39; Mark 12:31; Luke 10:27; Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8.

Today- perhaps you'll want to jot down some values you are looking for in a healthcare organization.  Look around for as close a match as possible.  Or, perhaps, if you are feeling up to it- construct a gracious letter to healthcare facilities in your area in response to their stated values- noting those you appreciate, or would like to see included. 

Remember today Beloved- speaking of values: you are valuable! God places great value on you-  breathe that in today- allow Him to minister to you today in that meditation.

Blessings-