reflection on last week

last week was utterly draining.

two of our medical patients died. i can't remember if i had seen one of them at the dental clinic, but the ripple effects of heaviness still affect me. one was a 35 year old woman, leaving behind a 10 yr old and 13 yr old. the other was a young boy, who was killed in a house fire as a result of someone smoking hash.

i've never heard of so many house fires until i've moved here.

when it rains it pours.

on top of that, two of my assistants had funerals to attend (family members). one was a 35 year old woman, unexpectedly had a heart attack. the other was an 18 year old who was shot to death.

bleak, i suppose.

but i love this psalm (20):

May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.
Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he answers him from his holy heaven
with the saving power of his right hand.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.
O LORD, save the king!
Answer us when we call!