As a paramedic student at Hannibal LaGrange College, I was asked to speak to the EMT graduating class of June 2013. The following is my brief charge to them.
Begin With The End In Mind
Congratulations! You have completed the requirements of your coursework!
Congratulations too, because you have survived Dorothea Lake!
At the entrance to this building are the words of Proverbs 2:6, “The Lord Giveth Wisdom”
God has imparted to you wisdom for the work of an EMT through Dot Lake and others.
What will you do with that wisdom?
Some of you may pursue another fulltime career path and serve as a volunteer EMT. Others of you may go on to serve in law enforcement, the fire service, nursing, or work fulltime in EMS.
Regardless of the path you choose, I offer you this challenge- Begin With The End In Mind.
Christians long to hear these words at the end of their life, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Mt. 25: 21 NIV
What must you do to hear, “Well done, good and faithful (EMS) servant.” ?
Thursday evening I attended the funeral visitation of a lady who had spent a lifetime serving her community. I was there as a member of the Missouri EMS Funeral Response Team Honor Guard, which I serve as a State Chaplain, and assistant commander of Region 2, which encompasses northeast MO.
I saw hundreds of people come through and pay their respects to the family… including local fire, police, hospital, and EMS folks. I heard many nice and kind things expressed to the family about their loved one.
When you come to the end of your tour of duty, whether that be by accident, illness, or old age, wouldn’t you like people to come comfort your family and say nice things about you?
I don’t know too many folks who would aspire to hear, “That dirty, rotten scoundrel. I’m glad they’re gone. I want to spit on their grave!” (five things to work on toward your end- count on one hand)
1) Treat others the way you want to be treated. (kindness, respect, and dignity) After all, they are already having a bad day if they’ve called you!
2) Don’t be lazy! Work hard, and don’t think you’re too good to get dirty. Detail the trucks, inventory the equipment, sweep the bay floor, clean the living quarters (on and on it goes).
3) Practice your skills, then practice some more! Be a life-long learner, and always be ready to answer the call.
4) If the Lord gives you a mate, be a good wife or husband. When you are filling out your work schedule, don’t forget to make appointments with your spouse. Carve out time. Sacrificing your marriage for your career is not honorable.
5) If the Lord blesses you with children, be a good parent. It doesn’t matter if you save all the kids in the world, if you lose your own. Make time for your children.
If you do those 5 simple things, then just as I heard Thursday evening- family and friends, and the community, will speak highly of you.
Begin With The End In Mind
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