Showing respect to other people is a sign of God's love

"Show proper respect to everyone."

- 1 Peter 2:17 (NIV)

Years ago as a graduate nurse, I was given the report on my patient's condition for the day. I was warned by seasoned nurses about his anger. "You better watch out for that one. He is grumpy and angry." I was told.

With this information, when I made my rounds, I approached his room with caution. Before entering the room, I knocked on the door. When I heard a somewhat gruff, "Come in," I was nervous and my guard was up wondering what to expect from this angry man.

As I made my assessment of his condition, I tried to think of things I could discuss with this gray, whiskered gentleman. While I wrapped the blood pressure cuff around his arm, I made small talk asking if he had any family, and what type of job he held.

I asked if he would like fresh water in his pitcher. I inquired if he would like some ice in his water and the amount of ice I should fill his pitcher up with. I made sure he had extra drinking straws and cups. I tried to keep lines of communication open and show him that I respected his desires.

As I continued communicating with him, he started responding back. He explained he didn't like the way people came in and out of his room with no regard for his feelings. He wanted some privacy and independence.

Then he told me that he really appreciated that I had knocked before entering. After this, throughout my shift, I did my best to help him in ways that showed him respect.

I knocked before each entrance to his room; I carefully explained each procedure before it was performed, even if it was just routine. I listened as he talked about his life.

By the end of my shift he began to open up to me about his true feelings regarding his illness. He was frustrated, and frightened that his career might be over due to the development of his illness. His doctor had made a remark that led him to believe this was possible. He further explained that he was a bus driver and loved his job. He would miss his playful interactions with the kids.

I could tell by the sorrow-filled tone in his voice how much this meant to him. I did my best to show compassion and hope for his situation, and mostly rendered a listening ear while he shared what was on his heart.

The next day when I entered his room, he was chipper. "I have something for you!" he explained. He picked up a small piece of newspaper with tattered edges.

I reached out my hand to receive it. It was a cartoon clipping with a caption that read:" Love is - Respect." He personalized the message to me by placing my name on the top corner and signing his name at the bottom.

I kept the clipping with its tattered edges and hung it on my bedroom mirror. It stayed there for years, and served me as a daily reminder to respect others.

Respect is not an emotion, it is an action we perform. It is something we do to show others we value them. Showing respect is one way we can show the love of Christ.

• Annettee Budzban can be contacted at AnnetteeBudzban@aol.com