Monday, December 14
By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Luke 1:78-79
There is a time to be born and a time to die. We are all united to this common reality. As Chaplain with Liberty Hospice, I have the privilege of assisting patients and their families as they transition in their final stage of life.
We are gifted with the skills and abilities to help families decrease their fear and anxiety as it relates to death and the dying process. We encourage patients and families to discuss end of life issues, fears, and concerns related to the dying process. We provide active, compassionate listening and encouragement. We address the physical and spiritual needs of the individual. We foster spiritual and emotional exploration, life review, and joy of life. We provide pastoral and supportive counseling. We also play music, sing to, and pray with our patients--one of my favorite things to do with families.
It is a privilege and an honor to serve the patients, families, and team members. I do not take this task lightly or half-heartedly. I am firmly grounded in Jesus’s proclamation that we are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. I have seen God working through the team doing works of emotional and spiritual healing, reconciliation, and bringing joy and comfort to the families that we serve. I am so very thankful for the privilege to serve those who are in need and through God and His love, bring comfort, light, and hope to those who are suffering and in need.
Loving God, open our eyes to see the light and hope even in the face of death. Help us to care for one another in all stages of life. Amen.
Rev. Matthew Hopkins serves as Chaplain for Liberty Lutheran’s Hospice and as Associate Pastor at the Second Baptist Church of Doylestown.
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