I think everyone is familiar with the old story of the boy who cried wolf! He likes to pretend things are happening.. the wolf is attacking the sheep! The Villagers all go out and are ready to save the sheep. Alas..when they get there.. no wolf and the sheep are fine.
The one day when a wolf really does come and attack the sheep the boy runs into town telling the villagers about it.
Of course, the story goes that NO one believes him now! He lied too many times, and when it was the truth he was not to be believed.
The past couple weeks I have had similar events that just reminded me of this story.
Getting older and having siblings who are getting older also, you dread the day when you hear news that they are very ill, or of their death. Not pleasant thoughts I know, but it is reality. I don't dwell on it, but I do realize someday it will happen.
Last week one sibling, who has had many health issues all her life was telling me that she has had a situation that isn't getting better. I get a message saying she went to the Doctor and the results were an awful, dreaded disease, which will only progress. I was devastated! She was to see a specialist which was a good thing. This situation was on my mind for several days, worrying and praying for her.
The day comes for the specialist visit! False alarm. NOT the disease thought or even a worse one..cancer. I was thrilled but I questioned why she was told that! Seems the radiologist who read the x-ray said it looked like it might be. Was the Doctor repeating what they said..or maybe said.. "there is a POSSIBILITY" it could be this and it was miss-heard? I wonder still... was it a cry wolf thing out of fear or what?
Then today another incident. An accident involving a motorcycle and a young man who is related to a family member by marriage. Story goes.. he wrecked and was run over by two cars. Being rushed to the hospital. My heart sinks.. I immediately pray for him and the family and the fear and terror they must be experiencing. I go to do 7 hours of volunteer work just knowing he is hurt but alive basically.
Seven hours later when I get home I find out..he was NOT run over ..his motorcycle was. He is bruised and sore and has to have some surgery next week, and a few months recovery. ALL is a relief! But once again.. panic set in.. thinking was clouded..and conclusions were drawn and news was misconstrued! Meanwhile, I ask for prayers of friends which never hurt of course.. and wonder how things are going.
I guess I'm saying all this to say this: News is certainly welcome when something happens.. but PLEASE don't draw wrong conclusions! Don't get people upset with things that are not known as fact! How? Try these scenarios!
1. " I'm having some problem health wise.".maybe say what it is if you wish. Then: " I saw the doctor but nothing is conclusive so I'm seeing a specialist." Then when it is over and you know for certain, you can relate what it Might have been then. That way people don't worry unduly.
2. "There's been an accident. We aren't there, so the details are not known, but it involved such and such. We'll let you know more when we know what happened. "
I realize some people want all the details, but telling what you don't know are not details..they are assumptions and only cause undue worry. I'm one that wants the facts. I have enough trouble assuming on my own! Believe me..that is a problem in itself.
I know that some people panic at everything and some will almost go into an uncontrollable state. Personalities are different and people react differently, but Please try to keep the unnecessary panic to a minimum!
"Just the facts ma'am!" as Joe Friday would say! And he was right most times!
