(Editor’s note: This paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 13 was prepared for the memorial service of a 106-year-old retired registered nurse. It is one of 33 such paraphrases in the book, Love’s Letters, A Poetic Book of Confessions (Library Lane Press, 2001).
Even if I speak in terms of Medicare or guardian angels, but do not offer caring with love, I am a ding-a-ling or a muted song.
And if I have the powers of a guardian and understand the mystery of each illness, and have knowledge of geriatrics, and even if I have such faith in quality care so as to remove mountains of anxiety, but do not show love, I am nothing.
If I give myself away in selfless service and if I wait on my patients hand and foot but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Love, in caring for others, is patient and kind. Love does not envy other callings or boast of going the second mile. Love is never intrusive nor overbearing.
Love, making the rounds, does not insist on its own way; is not put out or resentful. Love never butts in. Love, nursing the sick, does not nurse hurt feelings, but finds joy in compassion.
Love bears with demands and high expectations, believes in each patient’s rights, invests hope in each prognosis, endures while others give up.
Love never ends. But as for wild predictions, they will play out; as for quick cures, they will cease; as for miracle drugs, they will become generic.
For we know only part of each life story shared, and we observe only from our limited experience, but when we see a life cycle completed, our earthly part will be joined to the heavenly.
When I was just beginning as a caregiver, I often spoke out of ignorance; I thought I could save the world; I reasoned that I knew human nature. But when I put on a caregiver’s cap, I put an end to childish assumptions.
For now we see as in a mirror dimly, but soon face to face with reality. Now among the living, we care for the dying. Now, looking back down the corridor of the years, I know even as I am known. Now abide these three: faith in the healing arts, hope for an eternal hospice, and nursing as love’s healing hand, but the greatest of these is love.
Make love-giving care your high calling.
George Gunn, honorably retired pastor, lives in Banner Elk, N.C.
