1. Be grateful for the simple things. Seeing NICU
babies accomplish even the tiniest milestones such as breathing, drinking, or pooping
is cause for celebration. These are
things I take for granted daily, but are yet so fundamental as well – it’s a
reminder for me to be thankful and count my blessings.
2. True love is unconditional and without prejudice. Some NICU babies may suffer from physical or
neurological deficits that will affect their entire lives in a profound
manner. But no matter their condition or
the work required to take care of them, their parents love them even more, with
all their hearts and souls. It’s an
encouragement for me to treat others in the same way.
3. See the good and innocence in everyone.
These babies
are cute, helpless, and wholly dependent right now, and it’s hard to fault them
for anything at all. But they too will
become adults one day and make their own mistakes – some may even get on the
wrong side of the law. But even so, we
take care of them all the same. I am
reminded to focus on the good in others, just as I do with these babies.
4. Slow down and be patient. I love to rush through
things, and oftentimes my impatience shows through all too clearly. But with these NICU babies, everything we do
is in small steps, whether increasing feeds or weaning supplemental
oxygen. It’s truly in “baby steps”, for rushing
things will just lead to future problems.
Many times in my life, I need to learn the same, to just take a breath
and take it slow and easy.
5. Life is a miracle, yet fragile at the same time.
Seeing these NICU babies enter the world in such a precarious state and
exit the hospital ready to fly is a great joy and encouragement. But there are always the sobering reminders
of the few babies who never made it home.
Life is a God-given privilege that we have, not to waste, but to use
wisely.
