The ARDS Foundation - Body, Mind, & Spirit

By Pastor Ian

Me a V.I.P?

If you are reading this, then may I personally welcome you to the V.I.P. club. Now before you attempt to place your own spin on your membership, let me first unpack what the letters V.I.P stand for: "Very Important Presence."

Now I know you are going to ask, 'what makes me a V.I.P?' to which I will respond…. 'Patience, you'll get there if you read on.

The simple fact that you are scanning these words here on the Internet almost certainly makes you a person supporting someone with ARDS. Alternately, you are a person who has had ARDS and has become what we call: an 'ARDS Survivor.' Either way, you are a very important presence to me, and also to those who support the ARDS Foundation and its work around the World.

There are many ways to become a V.I.P. and as such, figure in the daily press, or be seen on TV, or hit the front pages of Maclean's, or O, The Oprah Magazine, or ROBB report, or others too numerous to mention. Among the many 'perks,' there are even special seats for traveling V.I.P.'s available with most airlines, however neither you nor I will ever feel the benefit of that privilege. This club to which we now belong is not a frequent flyers' club, and we both know that we did not seek this accolade. You will not be able to purchase "gifts for her and him" at greatly reduced prices. We do not even ask for an annual fee to become a Platinum or Gold member although contributions to aid research and the work of the ARDS Foundation are greatly appreciated.

This membership is unwanted because someone we know is suffering, and we are their V.I.P. We are their very important support system, or part of it, and we want to do our work well so that our friend and loved one benefits from our presence in their lives. This is of immeasurable importance.

Recently, I was listening to Dr. Robert Schuller as he talked to a large gathering of people. He told them that individually, they were a blessing to someone or someone's out there in the world. Being a blessing, in the sense that Dr. Schuller was talking, means being 'there' for a person when they are physically or spiritually at a low time in their lives. It means being there for a person when they are at a time of decision in their lives, or a time of crisis, and yes, thank G-d, at a time of joy in their lives. (We all like to share joy, don't we?) You know there really IS more blessing in giving than in receiving, and I challenge you to be able to own this, believe it and live it.

Recently, I was listening to Dr. Robert Schuller as he talked to a large gathering of people. He told them that individually, they were a blessing to someone or someone's out there in the world. Being a blessing, in the sense that Dr. Schuller was talking, means being 'there' for a person when they are physically or spiritually at a low time in their lives. It means being there for a person when they are at a time of decision in their lives, or a time of crisis, and yes, thank G-d, at a time of joy in their lives. (We all like to share joy, don't we?) You know there really IS more blessing in giving than in receiving, and I challenge you to be able to own this, believe it and live it.

Nobody wants the ARDS specter or any other crisis invading their lives, but we have to live with the fact that these things happen to us, making us either the victim or the V.I.P. During our lifetimes, our roles in this respect will change many times. We do not know how or why these things happen, but I will assure you that we can learn much from them when they do. What we learn decides, in part, how we will handle future times of crisis in our own lives; decides how helpful, empathetic, purposeful, courageous and joyful we will be for those who need our blessing at this time in their lives.

There is a lovely story told on being a V.I.P. / blessing, and I would like to share it with you.

A sign was placed in a yard: "Puppies for Sale."

A small boy came to inquire about the puppies. "I'd like to buy a puppy if they don't cost too much. "

"Well, son, they're ten dollars." The child's face fell. "I only have $1.63. Could I just look at them anyway?" “Sure, maybe we can work something out." Then the little boy said anxiously, "I heard there was one with a bad leg."
"Yes," replied the man, "I am afraid she is hopelessly crippled."
"That's the one!" the small boy exclaimed. "Could I pay for her a little at a time?"
"But wouldn't you rather have one who could play with you?" This one will never be able to walk very well."
Hitching up one trouser leg, the little boy showed a brace. "I don't walk so good either," he said matter-of-factly, "and I reckon she'll need some understanding till she gets used to it. I did." (Author unknown)

Being a V.I.P. is the most important thing you could be at this moment. Like the little boy in the story, you are in the right place at the right time for someone you love and care for. You will be a blessing to them if you can stop asking or trying to answer the "why questions that have no solution," and focus on understanding their needs and how you can be of assistance. Additionally, and this may be difficult to accept, as you serve another, you are also, at a higher level, being served. Your own Spirit is growing in strength, energy, and beauty although it may not seem so at the time.

Being directed to this place on the Internet tells me that you are already on the path of being a blessing in another's life. I ask your God to be with you, and guide you in all that you need to do and be as your friend's V.I.P.

Pastor Ian.

P.S. In my sight you are also a Very Important Person, and perhaps one day you WILL get to be on the front page of O magazine or fly in one of these special seats. Just remember that the person at the rear of the plane won't drink vintage champagne, and may have to wait until later for their food, but we will all arrive at the same place.