“We make our own path, but the Lord guides our steps." ~ Proverbs
16:9
Ed was watching TV when he felt
something near his heart. At first it
was dull and painless, but it quickly grew into something like an elephant
sitting on his chest. Then a tiny
electric current traveled down his left arm and his fingers went numb.
He knew immediately what was
happening – he just couldn't believe it!
I'm having a heart attack, he thought. He was perfectly healthy the last time he saw
his doctor. When was that—three or four
years ago? Soaking wet now and too weak
to stand, Ed crawled to the kitchen and dialed 911 just before he lost
consciousness.
Now three weeks later, Ed paced nervously
for the results of his latest stress test.
His heart fluttered as an unremarkable, 50-something cardiologist
entered the room.
“So Ed,” the Dr. began casually. “How was your heart attack?
That seemed like an odd way to
begin a conversation, but Ed replied, "It scared me to death, almost! I never want to experience that again.” By virtue of his profession, it seemed to Ed
that the Dr. should have more insight into matters of the heart.
“Hmm!” mumbled the Dr. as he
scribbled notes on Ed’s medical record.
"Does your life mean more to you than it did before?" he
questioned.
"Well, yes," Ed
replied thoughtfully. “Sharon and I’ve
had a wonderful marriage, but now we’re closer than ever?"
“I see,” the Doc grunted without
glancing up from his clipboard. "Do
you have more empathy, a deeper understanding and compassion for others?"
"I believe so," Ed
replied. “I never realized how important
my friends were and how valuable they became during my recovery.”
The Dr. looked up, his eyes burrowing
into Ed’s soul. "Do you know the
Lord in richer fellowship than you ever believed possible?"
"Yes!" Ed said
softly. “I have a new appreciation for
God’s plan. ‘Thy will be done’ adds a profound purpose to my life!”
"How did you like your
heart attack?" the Dr. asked finally.
Silence was Ed’s answer.
In every situation we have been
given the free will to choose our response.
We can choose to be worried, conflicted, confused . . . or we can react
with confidence, trust, and peace of mind.
Every moment allows us the chance to begin anew. Knowing that we have the opportunity to respond
in any way we choose, shows the absolute power of free will.
Breathe on me, breath of God, fill me with
life anew, that I may love what Thou dost love, and do what Thou wouldst
do. Breathe on me, breath of God, until
my heart is pure, until with Thee I will one will, to do and to endure. ~ Edwin Hatch
1878
