UCA SA - Reflection of the Week

Over the previous eight days in my role as supply Synod Chaplaincy Manager I have met with chaplains in three of the largest public hospitals in Adelaide.

As I listen to hospital Chaplains talk about their work I hear a common thread of uncertainty being experienced by all hospital staff. While COVID-19 is a little removed from South Australia at present, there is a sense amongst all hospital staff of being on edge and wondering WHEN, not IF, we might face similar issues to Victoria.

In the midst of community uncertainty and with so many people’s on-going health crises, chaplains are being called on to support patients, family and staff. Since there are not enough hours in a day for a chaplain to be with every patient it can be tempting to wonder if they are doing enough to make a difference.

With what we have been able to do in recent months as we have juggled working from home, other family commitments and moving between working from home and in our usual places – it can be tempting to feel like we’re not doing enough. At these times let’s remember that each life we touch matters, even if it is only one person. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a difference.

The ‘Starfish Story’ illustrates this well. I heard this story during a training day some time ago from Linda Vinall, our Called to Care - Training and Development Officer. Perhaps you know the story?