Crackers for Jesus

I had my hospital rounds all planned out. Volunteering in the pastoral care program at the local hospital was my way of obeying Jesus’ command to visit the sick. The head chaplain had trained me to check in first with patients who listed no religion or no religious preference. He explained that they wouldn’t be receiving visits from pastors, so we should see if they needed anything—or simply wanted some company.

I liked to keep my visits organized: finishing one wing completely before moving on to the next. I would start on the top floor, work my way down, and then head over.

On my most recent visit, I was tired but determined. If I could just get through my list without too much stress, I’d go home and grab a nap.

The first wing went smoothly. No unusual requests, no complications. Moving into the second wing, I worked my way down to the last floor. Just two more patients, I thought with relief.

I knocked on the next door and peeked in. “Mr. Thomas? My name is Zoe Hicks, and I’m with the pastoral care team here at the hospital. We like to check in with our newly admitted patients to see how your day is going, and if there’s anything you need or anything we can do for you.”

Mr. Thomas was standing beside his bed. He must have been at least 6’4”, with a hefty build. His hospital gown covered what I could only describe as a gut.

“Well,” he said, “I would like some crackers.”

“Crackers?” I repeated. “What kind of crackers?”

“You know—the kind with peanut butter in the middle.”

“Oh, that kind. Let me see what I can do.”

Inside, I hesitated. Crackers? The only way I’ll find peanut butter crackers is by breaking my visitation schedule and heading down to the cafeteria. I don’t feel like doing that. And what if they don’t even have them? I just want to get home. Lord, what should I do?

At that moment, a verse of Scripture popped into my mind: “Inasmuch as you have done it to the least of these, you have done it unto me.”

My attitude shifted instantly. Thank you, Lord, that I get to bring crackers to You today. What an honor and privilege. There is nowhere I wouldn’t go to bring You what You ask for.

I left Mr. Thomas’s room and went down to the first floor. Entering through a side hallway, I spotted a vending machine. To my delight, there they were—peanut butter crackers! I made a quick purchase and hurried back upstairs.

When Mr. Thomas returned from the restroom, I handed him the pack. “Here you are, Mr. Thomas. Is there anything else I can get for you? Would you like me to pray for you?”

“Thank you,” he said. “Yes, you can pray for me.”

I prayed for complete healing and for wisdom for his medical team. Wishing him a speedy recovery, I slipped out of the room.

As I walked away, I heard the sound of cellophane tearing open. Smiling, I whispered my own prayer: Thank You, Jesus, that I got to bring You crackers today. Help me always remember that in meeting a patient’s need, I am serving You.