Hospital Rooms

Hospital rooms are drab. I understand that their rightful commitment to cleanliness and efficiency doesn’t allow much room for comfort, and I know hospitals are not meant to be spaces for creative inspiration. But sitting in a white-walled room with cold white lights gets old rather quickly.

I don’t need to back it up with the research, I’m sure you’d agree: the vibe of a room can greatly affect the moods of those who share its space.

Given that there’s very little I can do for my wife, other than be present, I bought some battery lamps for our room.

Nicole laughs at me, but I’ve convinced myself she actually likes it (because literally as I typed this sentence, she just turned them on).

Each time we check in, I turn off those bright, cold white tube lights in the ceiling, and I turn on our battery lamps. It’s cozy, especially right now as the rain hits our window on the 14th floor.

C.S. Lewis wrote, “Never, in peace or war, commit your virtue or your happiness to the future.”

I’m a big fan of establishing finish lines. It makes me push harder in order to enjoy the sweet finish line. Our finish line is Sunday. Nicole will finish her last round of chemo Saturday, and she’ll be home. I can’t wait. We’re going to find a way to celebrate. Summer has been hell for her, and now the finish line is here. Sure, we don’t know what’s next until the scan at the end of the month. But we’ll celebrate this finish line!

However, there is something about making the wartime before the finish line a little nicer. Even if it’s brightening the way with a tiny lamp.

Psalm 118:24 says, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Whether your day is war or peace, rain or shine, drab hospital or the comfort of home, make it nicer. Don’t commit all your happiness to a future finish line. Find a way to enjoy a small piece of it today.