Ready or Not

As I was driving to work on Monday I received an automated phone alert that THE accreditation inspection team for healthcare providers was already on campus and would be reviewing our facility the entire week. The span of their standards, which touches upon minute aspects of the profession, seems infinite and the scope of their inspections is massive. The inspection process used to occur every three years with an appointed date known well in advance. Starting this year, the visits are unannounced encouraging a state of "constant readiness." It makes perfect sense when its definitive mission is to ensure that the public receives quality health care that is safe and consistent. We all tend to hustle and polish a little harder when we know company is about to arrive, and then we feel we are owed a chance to relax once they leave. With their new policy, there is no advance warning and there is no release of being safe for another three years. We have frequent mock surveys to find weaknesses and possible infractions so that any errors reported can be remedied before the real Joint Commission survey. If a system has too many violations, it could be devastating to their credibility and can force a closure. Even with so much at risk, on Monday the employees almost seemed relieved to have the official inspection in progress. Progress: a movement towards a goal, to grow or develop.

My prayer for the congregation?

Sovereign God, we do not know when Jesus will return and we are asked to remain on watch, to remain in a constant state of readiness. We have no ability to schedule or plan the great revival to conform to our convenience, but we can be his hands and his feet while we wait, serving those whom Jesus would seek. We can study the Bible and examine the vast span of its teachings as it permeates with our daily life. We can develop a commitment to pray for our family, our community, our nation, our allies, for our enemies, and for those who need to experience your love. We can tell others of the peace that we know. We feel the relief of progress. Amen.