It’s a place few like to visit, but the medical center has become a haven for my heart in the last few weeks, allowing me to walk out my faith in an area most steer clear of.

For 8 months now, I’ve been visiting this place quite often. When it’s time to leave, I lean over the balcony rails and take in a deep breath over the towering palm trees as I close my eyes and listen to the cascading waters in the background pretending this is vacation. The beauty is worth marveling over.

A few weeks ago, the Spirit prompted me to venture from the usual exit after my appointment and curiously wander through the indoor landscaping. There was a patient registration desk, medical imaging, nooks of cafe tables and benches spread out through the gardens. The aroma of fresh coffee brewing lured me to a small setup sharing the corner in this jungle.

The menu was complete with pastries and drinks. “They call this place ‘The Oasis’,” said a man behind the counter. “You must be the owner,” I replied. “Yes, I’ve been here 13 years in May and I know more people in this building I think than anyone else employed,” he chuckled from around his espresso machine. “Well, I’m Trisha. I think I’ll be hanging out here quite a bit,” I noted with a grin. “I’m Dave. Nice to meet you. Now what can I get you pretty little lady,” he said with a smile. I ordered a cup from my new friend and sat down to take in the scene. Thoughts were running through my mind concluding this must be where a lot of hurting people escape for some serenity or a meal during visits. Some may be alone, many could probably use a listening ear.

A man walked nearby. He was trimming the leaves so I extended a hello. We began to chat about Glen’s landscaping work and eventually his life that brought him to Nashville, from Florida and originally New York. At one point, I asked permission to pray for Glen’s family and some of his worries; it was obvious he wasn’t a believer. He allowed me to anyway and dished out names to mention in my prayers. Then his phone rang. It was Taylor Swift’s ‘people’. Glen is in charge of landscaping inside the superstar’s condo.

Vowing to God that I’d be back on my lunch breaks, this journey has been fascinating. It’s been a privilege listening to stories from all walks of life. Leslie is surrounded by cancer. Her husband died 5 years ago to the disease, her son died of it, her new boyfriend now had it, and her best friend has been struggling with it. Leslie herself has multiple sclerosis and shingles.

Today, Hank, 92, had some tests done on his health. He’s a World War II vet, Prisoner of War, wounded in the Battle of the Bulls, and sat on a bench behind me with his son. Upon seeing the palm trees surrounding us, Hank asked his son if he’d ever heard Joel Osteen talk about why a palm tree is suited for the south. In a snippy tone, his son replied, “No.” Hank tried to share more but couldn’t remember the story.

That message had stuck with me too when Joel first shared it, so I waited for the silence to become unbearable and closed my book. “I remember what Joel Osteen said. It’s because palms have many short roots and heavier top soil so they can bend. Oaks have a fewer roots that go deeper, so an oak would snap.”

Hank’s eyes lit up. Over the next 30 minutes, Hank told me about his incredible journey through the war; his capture, burying 51 of his friends in the camp, his escape from a compound and the best tasting vegetable soup he’s never forgotten. Hank’s appointment buzzer lit up. It was his turn to see the doctor. As the two men were walking away, Hank’s son turned to me and said, “Thank you for listening to all that. It’s more than he usually gets.”

Hank is a Christian, and at the very least, I think his son may have received an encounter with the Spirit today.

The harvest is plentiful my friends! All you need is a willing spirit. The return will be much greater than the effort you put in.

“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Matthew 9:37