Of books, covers and whatnot!

By Christine Jayakaran

I had my three month review the other day and I was back in the same clinic with its now familiar pre-op room, its beds and bright lighting. The harshness of those memories were only dimmed when I recalled how I was divinely led there to undergo treatment. If this was me maybe five years back I would have never chosen this place. The hospital looked run down and a little dilapidated so on first glance I was not too convinced on what I would get out of this doctor's visit. Then I walked in to the doctor's office which was simple and clean but more importantly the man seated inside was a good human. He didn't look to exploit us nor did he brush off my questions but with immense patience and kindness walked us through the process. Over the next few weeks I made my decision to get treated at this humble clinic just because I had an immense peace with this doctor and knew ultimately it was Jesus who would show up. Show up he did! In so many ways all of which we experienced once we took that leap of faith and got admitted into this centre. For one, this 'dilapidated' and humble place was pristinely maintained. Staff were incredibly skilled and courteous. The facilities were, to my overwhelming surprise, very modern and the doctor had years of experience under his belt (which was a confidence booster in itself) . The food was more than edible and my room felt like a resort with wide open spaces and large airy windows allowing so much sunlight you couldn't help but be filled with hope. I was pretty shocked at how appearances can be deceiving.

As I waited for my review to begin I couldn't help but wonder what might have happened had we not taken a chance on this simple and sedate place and instead chosen a standard, well known and flamboyant hospital for treatment? Just like I can't judge a place by its facade I definitely cannot judge a person by how they dress or how they behave or how they wear their hair or the way they carry themselves. I don't know their story, I don't know the twists and turns life has taken them on and I will never know the situations they found themselves in, that brought them to the place they are at now.

Take me as an example. I look at myself and find that there's so much I need to change in me but amidst all the muck there is gold deep within. My greatest relationships are with those who chose to look for the gold and love me inspite of the muck! ( I'm working on the muck, really !!)

So also, I get to choose to look beyond the external and offer kindness. I get to hear stories from the mouths of real humans and allow myself to be inspired by their courage and tenacity. I get to see the gold that's in everyone and overlook their muck! The choice is mine .. and yours.