Joy is most often compared to or made synonymous with happiness, but the two can be distinguished simply. Happiness can be conceptualized as a reaction or feeling. Related to happenstance, defined as a chance happening or event, happiness can be dependent on circumstance and external factors. On the other hand, joy is a state of being. This state can be understood by the reference points of substance — what we are being; and location — where we are being.
In John 15:11 we read, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” This verse immediately follows Jesus’s teaching on the vine and the branches. What we are being is branches of the vine. Where we are is in His love. This is joy.
With this conceptualization of what joy is, the natural next question is: where do we find it? Specifically, where in this culture of death in a time of crushing fear and in the wake of a pandemic, do we find the joy in medicine?
As healthcare professionals, we are the specific branch of the healing vine that extends to reach into the darkest moments in the suffering of humanity. We are spread thin and worked hard for the sake of the sorrowful passion of the body of Christ. Seen apart from Him, the moments of people’s lives in which we partake would be devastating. But, when grafted onto the body of Christ, these moments become a window and doorway into the joy of the resurrection.
The surgeons operating graft their worn hands onto the wounds of Christ’s hands.
The teams rounding through the hospital graft their tired feet onto the wounds of Christ’s feet.
The learners endlessly studying graft their wearied heads onto the wounds from Christ’s crown of thorns.
The providers endlessly pouring out their healing into their patients graft themselves onto the wound of Christ’s side which poured out life-giving blood and water.
In His resurrection, Christ’s wounds remained so that we may see and feel the weight and price of His love for us.
Put lightly, medicine is a difficult field. This year, especially, it has been a battlefield. The pruning of our branches that has occurred in the form of ethical dilemmas, legal persecutions, emergency overflow protocols, and more has been painful to say the least. Abide, brothers and sisters, in the vine. In Him, we find our being. In Him, we find our joy.
Dr. Francesca Ursua is a family medicine pgy2 at the UNMC – Offutt Air Force Base joint military civilian program and plans to pursue further obstetric training upon graduation. She previously served on the CMA student subcommittee and is currently serving on the resident subcommittee.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the US Air Force, Department of Defense or the US Government.