Recently, I had appendicitis. I tried to sleep it off, but turns out, the appendix needed to come out. 

Urgent care sent me to the ER. They admitted me and got me tested quickly, confirming the problem. But the operating room was busy and I would be squeezed in at some point in the day. 

Twelve hours later, I’d eaten nothing, had no water, and was still waiting for my surgery. Stomach in pain and risking a rupture, I was growing irritated. I was tempted to complain and demand someone do something. But I decided two things were important. 

  1. Pray for all the people being operated on ahead of me. Most of them were likely in worse shape than I. 
  2. Push the nurse for action. 

Both these things are are necessary. I don’t want to be ignorant or ungrateful… And I won’t be passive. 

Most of the time, there’s a way to get things moving without burning people or being obnoxious. Plus, keeping our cool under pressure (or in pain) is better for our health. 

Pray + Push

It’s usually both… not either or.