When it comes to having blood drawn for laboratory testing, I tend to get a little anxious. It’s not so much a fear of a needle as it is that I have small veins and it is hard to do it right. Often the technician, called a phlebotomist, will have to try at least a couple times on me and my veins get damaged in the process. So when a tall and somewhat quiet young man came to my hospital bed during a hospitalization, I quickly labeled him in my mind as awkward and incompetent and was certain I did not want him sticking a needle into my arm. I continued to do more than my share of judging him as to why he would do a lousy job as he quietly laid out the what he needed for the procedure. I decided to make small talk, and learned he was from here in town. I asked him if he went to school as well as worked, but he informed me he had just returned from a mission for the church and hadn’t started yet. Our further discussion revealed that he was a very thoughtful and sensitive person. And surprisingly, he was very quick and gentle at phlebotomy. I complemented him on it, and he humbly acknowledged that a number of patient's had appreciated his work. I made a point to request him each day for my laboratory draws during the rest of my stay. And I learned a valuable lesson (once again) about not judging others so rashly.
Mormon 8:19 For behold, the same that judgeth rashly shall be judged rashly again; for according to his works shall his wages be; therefore, he that smiteth shall be smitten again, of the Lord.
LESSON LEARNED: It is so easy to judge others quickly and rashly. Often, it is a lack of communication and understanding that allows for this to happen.
FEEDBACK: WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH JUDGING SOMEONE RASHLY?
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