We Are Called

This statement has popped up in the last week at least three times.

The first time occurred at work when I was speaking with a PCA (patient care assistant) early last week. I could not stop verbally appreciating the apparent hard work and dedication of a few co-workers in caring for the patients. In front of the nurse's station, I told this PCA, "We are called to greatness!" He smiled and thought otherwise. I also smiled and stood firm by my statement. Whether we answer that call or not is up to each of us. I was quietly reminded by my Catholic side that we are called to be saints.

This past weekend at mass, the closing hymn was "We Are Called" by David Haas. Sing it with me now! It was seemingly the most frequent song we sang at the Wheeling Jesuit masses. Ah, the memories. While I used to roll my eyes with my girlfriends in the choir back then, I can't deny that this song will forever bring joy to me.

The last time this key phrase was mentioned happened yet again at work by the same PCA at the same place at the nurse's station, where the first conversation took place exactly a week prior. He was the one that now said to me, "Didn't you say that we are all called to greatness?" I was quietly surprised that he remembered this short conversation last week, but grateful that he realizes the importance to go beyond being good. To go the extra mile. To give it our 110%. To treat each patient as if they were our own spouse, mother, father, grandmother, brother, best friend. To be great caregivers for these sick patients.

I like to frequently recognize and thank my co-workers for their hard work and excellent patient care when it's apparent. It's part of my own call.