Warm hands in the hospital

Bringing Warmth Through My Work

My name is Wia, and I work in the laboratory of a hospital. One of my tasks is drawing blood — both in the phlebotomy lab and on the wards. Throughout the day I meet many people, which I truly consider a privilege.

Morning Walk

When I walk my dog early in the morning, I pray that I may encounter the right people that day (Isaiah 50:4). I ask Him to help me speak the right words — or whatever He wants me to use to share His love. Sometimes it’s a real challenge: when people don’t smell fresh, look unkempt, are sad, scared, angry, or impatient. I pray intentionally that I may see beyond the outward appearance, so that they may see Jesus in me: full of kindness, patience, and love.

Cold Hands, Warm Heart

One morning during prayer, I felt prompted to bring a hand warmer to work. (I had bought one the weekend before, sensing that God was asking me to.) While carrying out my duties on the ward, I listened inwardly to God, trying to discern which patient I should give the hand warmer to.

At the end of our round, we came to an elderly woman who lay all alone. I knew she was the one. I greeted her and asked if her hands were cold. She was surprised and said, “Yes, they’re freezing and I just can’t get them warm.” I handed her the hand warmer.

As I drew blood, tears streamed down her face. She asked me, “Why are you being so kind to me? And how did you know my hands were cold?” I took her hands and shared about the impression I had received that morning. Jesus touched her tenderly. Her hands warmed up, and she now knew for sure — she was not alone. Jesus was with her.

Bringing Comfort

That’s what I love most about my work: every person has their own story. Most of the people I meet come for check-ups, are downhearted, ill, or have received bad news. They long for human connection — someone who truly sees them and listens. And I’m happy to do just that: listen and encourage wherever I can.

Often, it’s the small things that have the biggest impact — like holding someone’s cold hands so they can feel warmth again.