The Candy Dish
Someone said to me that “it’s all about the story” but I did not fully understand the deeper meaning of that statement. I think I do now. It gradually became clearer as I paid attention to the relationship between the candy dish I, that I keep fully stocked with a variety of sweet treats and the people that visit it. The office that I work in is located in the main hallway of a small critical care hospital that serves a rural area. Many of the people take deep pride in “living off the grid” and can be intensely guarded about their lives. Because of the great location of the office, almost all staff, many patients, visitors, and outpatients pass by. While not necessarily seeking out a conversation with a chaplain, the candy frequently draws them into the office. Often, as each person pauses to make a selection, they enter into conversation. Gradually as they continue to stop by, it seems that they ...