Rejoicing and Reflections

There is much to rejoice about today. Although the yesterday's procedure was a bit more painful than I anticipated, it was so evident to me that God's hand was in it all. Perhaps this was most evident in the doctor's assistant, Annie, who comforted me through the process by her kind words and reassuring touch. We ended up having a great conversation about the Lord and His goodness to our families.

I'm reminded again that being in the health care profession really is a means to ministry. For the individual undergoing a medical test or procedure, they are in a particularly vulnerable position. Thus, they are often open to the comfort and words extended to them. There are few other places in our culture where is would be the norm.

I'm also convicted again about my own preconceived ideas that I place on my patients. Often when a procedure that is supposed to be relatively painless results in a patient's great discomfort, I can be quick to dismiss that as an overreaction in the midst of my busyness. But after my experience yesterday, I can testify differently. For me, what was supposed to be minimally painful was anything but. Even today my neck is really sore, swollen, and uncomfortable. Lesson learned.

The pathologist was kind enough to let me stay to hear his preliminary report. He found nothing suspicious in the nodule itself. We are praising God for such a good reports as this! I'll return my doctor in a week to figure out the next steps.

I am so thankful for the Lord's sanctifying work in my life. He loves me enough to choose the hard things to teach me and grow me up in him. If I had to choose a "life verse" it would be Psalm 139:23-24. I memorized it at a retreat in middle school and daily since it comes to my mind and settles in my heart. Yesterday was no exception.

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

-Psalm 139:23-24