PEACE: Behind the Scenes at Christmastime ...

We're still here ... HomePlace at The Hospice of East Texas

I've never experienced anything quite like it ...  On the outside, it's a 28-bed, red brick building, serenely set off the highway. On the inside, it's a haven for families waiting for a loved one to die. When I entered its doors for the first time a week ago, I quickly noticed how starkly different it was from the hospital I'd just departed. The warm-colored walls. The carpeted hallways. The beautiful wreaths lining the corridors; each bedecked with one-of-a-kind ornaments representing a wide variety of personalities.

The primary concern at HomePlace is for the comfort of the dying ... and their families. The peacefulness of the chapel, library, and movie theater.  The activity of the soda shoppe, children's playroom, and always-available jigsaw puzzles.  The blessing of 24-hour onsite physicians, unrestricted visiting hours, and quiet spaces.  Everything here is about comfort for the patient ... and helping loved ones in limbo.

There is no hustle-bustle here. The professional staff is excellent, refusing to zip in and out of the room. Ever. They understand that many of the families they serve are dealing with death "up close and personal" for the first time ... and they linger to educate and encourage.

If the story stopped there, it would be a good one ... but it doesn't. Behind the scenes there is a lot of creative caring being done by volunteers.

Handmade quilts lovingly provided for each bed

Homemade cookies in the family kitchen ... and a snack cart of free goodies every afternoon

Therapeutic pets

Hymns sung in the hallway for 30-45 minutes ... at least once a week ... by an elderly gentleman with his guitar. How his gentle gift to patients and families has touched me ... twice. What comfort it brought to stand in the doorway or sit in the room and sing or hum along with him. Songs of salvation ... and love ... and praise. Songs of God's faithfulness.

It's a peaceful place. The presence of God is evident here within the walls ... and in the lives of the caregivers. There's plenty of time to think ...

For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:6)

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

During this busy holiday season, are you taking time to seek Peace?  Are you doing anything "behind the scenes" to bring peace to others?  I'm so thankful for people who are!