Run Deep
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I left work at 5:30 PM and drove 40 minutes south to sit beside a very important person in a hospital room. I’d pulled night watch for the fourth time this month. My body ran ragged, and my heart ached.
When I arrived at room 601, I discovered a posse of people filling up the room and spiling out into the hallway.
Bed A was now occupied by the patriarch of a new family. I waved hello and scooted over to Bed B. The room was easily the size of a postage stamp, but at least 10 people were crowded around the feverish Hispanic male in the bed to my left. One daughter placed cold compresses on the sick man’s forehead while everyone else spoke simultaneously in Spanish and asked loud, intrusive questions of the patient.
I smiled. Most people would be annoyed to be stuck in the cramped room with the Latin Mafia, but I found it most comforting.
I immediately adopted the crazy clan that reminded me of my own. I think the nurses were looking for an excuse to kick them off the floor, but I was happily chatting away with an Uncle and Aunt who had drifted past the curtain over to our side of the room.
A couple of hours later, a security guard loomed in the hallway and attempted to encourage the determined crowd to dissipate.
No one budged.
The TV blared a Spanish SOAP opera, and the youngest son was sent to Burger King with everyone’s order.
“We run deep,” proclaimed the curly haired daughter as she placed a fresh compress on her daddy’s temple.
Indeed, they do.
I contemplated their passion and purpose as they defiantly plopped down on the cold hospital floor to eat Burger King.
I want to run deep.
I want to stand in the deep with my family.
I want to walk deeper with my friends.
I want to dig deeply with you, dear reader.
I want to plunge into the deepest of the deep with my Jesus.
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Let your roots grow down into Him,
and let your lives be built on Him.
Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught,
and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:7, NLT
For further deep contemplation:
Something to think about…
This hits me deeply as I want that depth in so many ways, too, Lyli. I want my life to be filled to full and rooted in Jesus. May we be watered by the Living Waters so that our roots grow into Him.
Yes, Linda. Where you are rooted makes a difference. Let’s be well watered in Him.
Beautiful words that brought to mind the words of Tolkien in one of his Lord of the Rings poems:
Old that is strong does not wither;
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
I was running these words through my mind just this week, praying for grace to live them.
Blessings to you!
Love that, Michele. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Beautiful post, Lyli. As I read your post, I found myself agreeing & desiring the same – I want to run deeper with our God, deeper with my family, deeper with those around me. Then as I read the Scripture you shared, I realized to do so, we each must LET our roots go deep in Him, LETTING our lives be built on Him. May I live this out each day is my prayer.
As usual, Joanne, you are nudging me in the Spirit. The word “let” has come up several times this week in my quiet time. It implies submission and surrender.
Such an inspiring story. I’m not sure if you realize this but you do run deep with either friends or family. It takes a lot to drive far after a hard days work to sit with a sick loved one. You have a beautiful spirit. Thanks for sharing.
Oh, thank you, Jenny! I was sitting with my grandpa, and he is one of the most beautiful people on earth. He would sit with me if I were sick… it’s the least that I could do for him during his final days here on earth.
Loved reading this post. It really struck a chord. And I’m writing that verse down, Colossians 2:7.
I loved the NLT translation — it’s going in my journal tonight, too.
Love the verse you shared at the end in connection with your post. One of my biggest challenges is taking the time with others to go deep rather than hurrying off to do all the other things I want/need to get done.
You are not alone, Barbara. I want to be “fully present” and undivided in spirit when I am with my people — but I have a wandering and easily distracted spirit. It’s something I pray about.
Inspired words, Lyli. Going deep is the desire. Going fast is the temptation. (Speaking for myself!) The two, however, are mutually exclusive. Thanks for the reminder that going deep is vital.
Slow me down, Lord.
I want to run deep, too. And you do, Lyli. I’m sure you were a light to the Hispanic family. Praying for your hospitalized loved one…
Thank you for praying, Lisa He was discharged last Friday — second time in the hospital this month. It’s hard to be 94.
I love this Lyli.
I want to “run deep” too. Lord, let it be so.
Thank you for sharing. 🙂
That’s a bit like it was at Mama’s bedside on her last days. Our large family, the grands, the great grands, even the great, great grands, came to say their goodbyes. And yes, to run deep, is my heart’s longing, too, Lyli.
You would make a great Cuban, Elizabeth. 🙂
HI Lyli!
Interesting story. Our family was like that–only much more sedate and we watched HGTV, in the special room they had for us in my mother’s last days. We took turns sitting with her. Daily runs for food and such a unity of grief and joy all at the same time, until mom went to be with Jesus. Roots do run deep.
Joy!
Kathy