Both the Awesome Majesty and the love of a Holy God are seen in the wonder, beauty and grandeur, of mountains.

The imposing Nun Peak of the Himalayas overlooking the Sura Valley, inspires us to gain a fresh perspective in Nursing.

Ladakh is known as the ‘Roof of the World’. As we think on this fact, the lofty height speaks clearly of our Creator, while the magnificent beauty of creation inspires and encourages. Each Nurse’s actual help comes from the Creator, high and lifted up, whose great love reaches each tiny struggling human, and more so in a very special way when we allow Him into our life.

The silhouette of two faces etched in both parts of the Nun Peak, remind us of Nurse and Patient. Cloud there is, but underneath the canopy of the heavens, speaking of God’s great love and mercy.

The rocky terrain with vegetation struggling, but growing strong, depicts the walk of each Nurse through the valley of difficulties in Nursing, and in her personal and home-life. Note the sunshine and shade necessary for rest and encouragement along the way.

God points the way, but even more important He walks the road – all the way with us, provided we are going in partnership with Him.

The cloud rising between the crevice of the Nun Peak into the glorious clear blue sky suggests the eventual bursting forth into freedom and light from the difficulties and struggles as we live the commandments of the Creator in and through Nursing.

Jesus said “ …If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” Mathew 17:20 and again in Mathew 13:31-32 He likens the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds, but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in it.

“ Though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”

Nursing With A Difference involves Nurses helping Nurses.

One of Ladakh’s most senior Nurses, Sonam Yangskit and husband Lobsang Thinles of Leh, are a rich resource. Their experience, books and personal collection of slides provided a focus from which the cover photograph was selected. Together they sowed and we all reap the benefit.

The following Hymn which captured the interest of Nurses in some of our programs in Punjab has a continuing message for us all.

Sowing in the Morning

Chorus

Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves!
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves!

Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness,
Sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve;
Waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping,
We will come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves!

Chorus

Sowing in the sunshine, sowing in the shadows,
Fearing neither clouds nor winter’s chilling breeze;
By and by the harvest, and the labour ended,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves!

Chorus

Go then ever weeping, sowing for the Master,
Though the loss sustained our spirit often grieves;
When our weeping’s over, He will bid us welcome,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves!

Chorus

As each Nurse takes her mustard seed of faith and love which is ours in Christ Jesus and sows in her home and in her professional ministry, our profession will be well likened to the mustard tree bringing help, comfort, hope, meaning and fragrance into the lives of millions.

Nurses will be the ‘mustard seed’ that God uses to bring Justice and Mercy into our Health Services.