Awkward silence
I called the hospital I am going to work at next week. “Hello, my name is Lisa Schoch and I am a student at the University of South Carolina. I am beginning my rotation there next week. I just have some last minute questions.”
“Ok.” [insert awkward silence.]
“Um… I just had forgotten to ask what time I needed to be there Monday.”
“8.” [insert awkward silence.]
“Ok… I was told I could wear scrubs, is there a specific color I need to wear?”
“No. You can wear whatever color.” [insert awkward silence.]
“Um… I was told to go to the third floor. Is that how I can find the rehab department?”
“Yes. Just ask at the nurses station.” [insert awkward silence.]
“Ok. Thank you for your time. Goodbye.”
Awkward silences. They can be rather unnerving. Knowing the other person is waiting on you to articulate a response. Waiting on you to make the next move, the silence warrents an air of pure and simple apathy. The silence lingers and becomes slowly deafening, so you talk to encourage your own confidence. The conversation begs on the edge of unpleasant and tiresome.
Awkward silences. I pray you get to experience awkward silences. Do not let them linger, but instead fill them with a sense of compassion to where they are lacking. Use them as opportunities to show your determination, your passion, your strength, your joy. Do not fall victim to moments when it is so easy to fall to anger, frustration and irritation. Use awkward silences to challenge yourself to be a better person, to grow deeper in your trust and faith in God. Challenge the other person to hear and listen, and be attentive.
I have no idea what I am going to walk into next Sunday when I move to GA. I do not know much about my apartment other than it is free and fully furnished. Rumor has it, I will have a roommate, though who they are I am not sure. I have heard my apartment is 3 blocks from the hospital. Based on the previously stated conversation, I do not know much about my rotation either. As much as this has subdued me, I am determined to keep strong, confident and trusting in God. I have seen his fingerprints in my life before and surely I will see them again.
~LJ
