I am an arguer. I enjoy a little friendly debate every now and then, and so I don't mind talking about controversial issues. I find other people's perspectives interesting, and like to share mine in return. Although this is perceived by some as being confrontational (they aren't used to argument in this form, and it makes them feel uncomfortable), I find it stimulating, and often very informative. The issue of today, modern medicine.
Science is not something to be feared. It's not evil. We are commanded to gain knowledge, and science is how we do it. By experimentation, exploration, hypothesis, discussion, etc. Science, of course is just that, and is not truth. It should not be worshipped, or taken above the words of God. Obviously, a balance is in necessity. I believe that God has allowed man to learn as much as we have in order to improve our way of life, and as long as it is partaken of in moderation and in accordance with His laws, modern discovery will enable man to fulfill one of his greatest purposes: happiness.
To get to the point. A relative of mine recently spoke out against circumcision, stating that it was done away with, alongside the law of Moses. She sited an article which criticized parents for continuing to practice this tradition, saying that they are mangling the bodies of their innocent babies, and that this is against the will of the Lord. They quoted an Ensign article, which basically said that the Church will not micromanage us, and we are to make informed decisions based on the spirit of the law. There was nothing about circumcision in this article.
Why do we circumcise? Is it because we insist on following the law of Moses? Uh... no. It's because modern medicine has discovered that there are health benefits associated with this practice, and that this leads to a healthier, less complicated, more hygenic lifestyle for men. No, it's not a must. But it is a smart thing to do. All I'm saying is, it's not against the commandments, and it's not something to be frowned down upon.
Summary: Mediphobes bother me. Especially when they try to justify it using religion.
Soap box finished... for now.
Once upon a time...
Once upon a time I decided to do a little community service. Well, I'll tell you the truth, I wanted to get my foot in the door to the medical world. So I began volunteering in Mother Baby at the Provo hospital. Besides the fact that the nurses there are known to be rude to their volunteers, it was really fun and rewarding, and it was good experience. Five years later, I find myself wanting to get back into it again. We live within walking distance from another hospital, and I can't seem to get a "real" job these days, so I figure it will be a good use of time.
It's been hard to be at home without Gavin, but not for the reasons you'd think. I find plenty of productive things to do, but most people can't fathom spending this much time at home and always being able to get things done. Just think of all the little projects you would work on if you only had the time. Years worth of stuff put on the back burner, waiting for "someday". Well, that's what I've been doing... and the laundry and the dishes and cooking, etc.
Anyway, I want to be able to contribute more, and since I can't contribute financially to my family, I'll contribute to the community by serving in the hospital. Who knows? Maybe years down the road when I come looking for a job as an RN my volunteer work will give me a leg up. But if not, it will still be worth it to have given of my time for the general well-being of others. Oh, and I'll be working in the ER, and it doesn't get much more exciting than that! Who needs TV?!
I have my reasons for not working full-time for now, availability and economy being some of it, but don't judge me too harshly for it. I've got a plan, and I'm excited to see it pan out.
Like light rain on a hot night. Like that perfectly timed phone call. Like seeing your favorite flowers. Like a smile from a stranger. The simple little things are those that enrich our lives and make it a little easier to live in the moment. It's important to take a step back when life becomes too complicated and remember what is really important.
On the flip side, some things are meant to be easy and turn out far too complicated. Like assembling the corner shelf for the shower. It only has 23 parts and 10 multi-part steps! Oh, and of course one of the steps is to simply "cut the pipe" to match the exact height of the ceiling. Really? They couldn't have eliminated that part? Anyway, some modern conveniences (cell phones, cars and portable music, for example) have become far too complex. For the sake of those of us who aren't so into all the gadgets and buttons and super-duper-high-techiness, let's tone it down a bit.
Keep things simple.