CALM IN THE CENTRE OF THE BUSYNESS OF MT HOPE HOSPITAL
My office is across the Eastern Main Road opposite the maternity ward of Mt Hope Hospital. I conduct the midday Word and Communion Service in the common Worship Hall of the hospital every Tuesday midday. On my walk to the hall , I first walk east along the Eastern Main, stop at the Champs Fleurs traffic lights and on the green light, cross and pass under the short tunnel that goes beneath the Priority Bus Route.
As you approach and exit the tunnel the activity of the pathway vendors gradually increases, buying and selling, talking on mobile phones and making deals. One enters the hospital compound through the gate to the maternity ward, across the large car park and you enter the main corridor of the hospital. It is very busy with a wide cross section of persons – doctors, nurses, patients, administrative staff and visitors- all hurrying to their destinations.
I climb the stairs at the radiology ward and walk to the executive offices where I sign for the keys and aircon switch for the Worship Hall. It is very busy along the corridors as I arrive and open the doors to the hall. Within I am soon joined by a few early arrivals who prepare the room for the service. We are soon joined by the indefatigable Sister Sandra who stops by from her visits to the wards.
It is in this hectic busy surroundings that the small group of us calm ourselves, reflect, contemplate and pray for the people and the institution. I think of it like an oasis of peace, the calm in the center, radiating outwards to connect with the quiet centre of each person on the compound.
If ever you are on the compound on a Tuesday at midday, please join us, or join us in spirit by stopping your activity and meditating ,wherever you are , to contribute to peace, harmony and good will.