What really matters anyway?

Today is day two of 2013. I spent the first day of the year in the hospital. It seems I had signs of an aneurism. Beware of zealous PA's, (Physicians Assistants). My apologies in advance to all you PA's out there who are not. That's all I'll say about that part of it.

What the experience did for me was cause me to do an inventory of "What really Matters". Not once did I check my memory to see if I'd reached my work goals, or to remember if I'd forgotten anything on my to-do list. I never thought of any last word I didn't get in in my last argument with someone. I didn't feel bad about not cleaning the refrigerator, or not vacuuming, as I sometimes did in the past.

I did begin to think about my relationship with God, and to the people I love. I was happy to spend the time with my daughter, who stayed by my side much of the time. We joked a whole lot, but I caught a glimpse of a really serious look on her face when the PA explained what serious implications could occur if the tests returned abnormal. That's when I realized how important I was to her. I knew it, but I SAW it that time.

I also had to do the usual "New Year's Reflection" , only this time it came in the context of blood draws, blood pressure checks, and an MRI. As my body moved slowly into the MRI chamber, I had a fleeting thought of how my Dad had accompanied me to a medical test in the past, and tears came streaming down my face, inside the chamber, where I could not move to wipe them. I miss my Dad when I encounter challenges probably the most, because he was my hero. He always moved swiftly to change anything that made me the slightest bit uneasy or afraid, when I was little.

My son shocked me. He was unhappy that I didn't give him the whole story when I called him from the ER. I simply said, "I'm at the doctor's". That was totally true. I skipped the part about being in the ER for a time, because I knew he might worry. I wanted him to be as peaceful as possible, mostly because I didn't think anything was really wrong. I didn't see any need in getting everybody all upset.

I did the same with my Mom. No news is good news. I just waited until I had a good report to talk to her. She appreciated that.

I also cut the usual deals with God... "Lord, if you get me out of this one, I promise I will.....".  I'm sure he wasn't shocked. I promised mainly to eat better, and get a regular exercise regimen. So far, so good with that. It's only been two days since then.

Mostly, I feel very blessed. It could have been very different. People say the way you start out a year has a lot to do with how it unfolds. Well, if that's true, I'm getting off to a good start. I got a clean bill of health from the doctor, and a chance to do things differently for this year. I see now that my job is not as important as I'd thought. I understand it is important, but it gave me perspective to be in a hospital bed for a night. I understand that cherishing every  moment with people you love is the more important thing.

I felt safe there, in my bed. I had my iPhone playing healing scriptures. I had my trusty laptop and all of my little creature comforts. The thing that seemed so precious was the knowing I had that God was in control, and the love of my daughter who lay there next to me, on a cot, unwilling to leave no matter what I said. What a way to ring in the new year. I am rich!

So, no matter what you will face this year, please know that God has not lost sight of you. He is there, in the middle of all your ups and downs, and unexpected twists and turns. He is faithful and will show you how he feels about you in a sweet way. Sometimes you won't omit the challenge, but he will make his presence known in the middle of it all. God bless you in this coming year of triumph!!