P.D. Weekly Email

Hello Great Family,

In November of last year, I experienced a, "cardiac event". One Doctor says the words, "heart attack" but my other Doctors say it was just an "event". Well, that event, or whatever you want to call it, has changed some things in my life. Two notable areas that have drastically changed have been my diet and regular exercise.  Apparently, wanting to live and experience the joys of grandparenthood (is that a word?) has the power to impact my daily choices.

Today I had a Doctor's appointment in order to be cleared for an important procedure at the end of May. I went in expecting to have a thorough examination. I actually wanted them to examine everything carefully and thoroughly. After checking all the information and looking at all my numbers, the Doctor decided to run one more test. I booked that test immediately and I'm anxiously waiting to find out more about what's happening on the inside. If everything is all clear after the upcoming test, I'm all clear to have my procedure.

What I find interesting about this experience is that over a year ago I would have been annoyed with the suggestion of a test. I would have balked at spending more money. I would have accused the Doctors of just trying to make a profit. I might have decided to avoid it all together.

What's different now? Why am I ready, willing, and able to head to the Doctor's office and comply with their suggestions?  One word... "event". That one "cardiac event" changed everything. It changed my thinking, changed my choices, changed my spending, changed my life. What was once annoying is now important. What was too expensive is now essential. What was too difficult is now imperative.

Which makes me think about our spiritual wellbeing. Are we just living life while ignoring what is important spiritually?  When life is going well and we are all absorbed in our busyness, sometimes spiritual things are annoying. Waking up and going to church is a pain. Serving in a ministry is too time consuming. Giving regularly and sacrificially is too costly. But then it happens... the "event"... that one overwhelming situation happens that changes everything. Maybe it's a diagnosis or a family tragedy. Perhaps a loss of job or relationship. It can instantly change how you think and what you do. 

Paying attention to your spiritual walk is a lot like paying attention to your diet and exercise. There is so much pain that can be avoided if we would live in a consistent spiritual walk before a crisis rather then shifting into panic mode after an "event". However, God is patient with us. Just like a cardiac event can get you doing the right things physically, there is nothing like a wake-up call spiritually to get your priorities straight. Either way, the best thing for you to do today is walk with God, eat right and get some exercise! See you at church!

God Bless,
P.D. (Psalm 139)