I made it to the doctor's office yesterday. I was so surprised how efficient it is ran. I arrived, stood in line, and when I checked in got to answer all the usual questions. Then given forms to complete, I went over and sat down. Usually one checks in and then gets called back. I got there a little early because I expected to have forms to complete. So I began on them. Didn't get half way through them - and still 20 minutes BEFORE the time of my visit - I was called to go back to the room. Interestingly, they weigh in the kg mode, so I didn't kow what it was. I was told I could be told once we were in the room (HIPAA I guess). I didn't ask - I knew what it was when I got ready to leave home; no need to hear it again. As my information is inputted into the computer by the assistant, I hand him some papers. On those papers I had typed everything out. All my medical information; when and what surgeries I have had; when I had my last flu shot; dates when I got the dreaded COVID shots; the pneumonia shots; things I had completed on the forms they had sent out to me a few weeks ago - such as my grandparents and parents health issues and dates of death. That was something I hadn't had to do before. Then I added each of my siblings, whether they were alive or dead, and what health issues I am aware of that they have. I also had a paper with all the doctors I see - from dentist to my last medical doctor. After he leaves, my new doctor comes in. And it is still 5 minutes before my scheduled time! Right on time, my new doctor comes in.
Tall and lanky, I liked him immediately just by his body language. He's friendly, he's down to earth, he looks you in the eye when he talks (when he isn't inputting information into the computer), and most importantly, he listened to me. He loved the papers I had typed out with all my information - he doesn't have to flip through the computer or pages of their form - he can pick up my typed form and have all the information right there. He told me I was his 'top' patient - he hadn't had someone do that before. Yea me! He asked specific questions and I responded. He was concerned I hadn't had any tests in nearly 5 years. Which is why I was again selecting a doctor who would care about me. I loved it that the lab was just down the hall from him so got to stop there on my way out and get labs drawn. He also gave me information I needed to call for my mammogram and Dexa (bone density test). I made that call yesterday and left a voicemail and received a call back within the hour, got both tests scheduled one right after the other for September 1st. The doctor said he would call me today with the results from my lab work. I may have comments to share about that tomorrow. I will admit, I am afraid my cholesterol may be elevated to where I will have to take medication. Gluclose... I've always been right at 5.7 which is pre-diabetic/borderline. I've been celebrating way too much lately with sugar laden ice cream and cake... and breads, and all that carb-laden food.... I wonder if I can talk him into a 3 month period where I can work on my 'diet'.
What did crack me up yesterday was when I was with the assistant and he was inputting my information. I commented that I chose this doctor because of his excellent reviews. The assistant said that the doctor is awesome (I agree) and will listen to you, will talk to you clearly so that you understand exactly what he is telling you. He won't leave until you know exactly what he is wanting you to know and why you need to do certain things. What made me laugh was the assistant said..."what the doctor doesn't like is people who come in self-diagnosed by googling their symptoms and then won't listen because they are so sure they are right." Note to self: don't google symptoms and tell him.
Back to work a couple hours later, I was pretty busy all afternoon. Work goes on as usual - with or without me. Updated my one boss on what the doctor said (yes, we are that close that we share that information). Now to get my lab results today (praying no medication for cholesterol), then pray about the upcoming tests. I know that God is in control, no matter what. I am in His hands. Stay tuned.
Lately, for some reason, the weeks seem to be flying by. This year is a couple months half over and ever so often someone will mention it is xx number of days until Christmas. Glad I've already gotten started! But time is flying by for me. For others in this world, I'm troubled it may be dragging. My heart is heavy over the plight of the fall of Afghanistan. I've read of homes with girls ages 12 and over must be marked with an 'X' so that the Taliban can take the young girl and marry her off to their men. If the house isn't marked, the entire family is killed. I've heard women have had fingers cut off because they are wearing nail polish, they are raped, they are beaten, they are killed. Being a woman, I am heartsick over what these young girls and women are enduring and will have to endure if they live. I think of the young girl from my state who was helping the Afghan people and was kidnapped, raped, and murdered by the Taliban. I had to spend time praying for them last night as I heard the information, and will continue to keep them in prayer. O Lord, please have mercy on your children and women especially. The Christians there have already received letters 'we know who you are and where you are and we are coming for you.' Lord have mercy! Place shields about them that they cannot be found. My heart is grieved over what is happening.
In spite of all this pain and suffering going on in the world, one thing I do know and I will hold fast to this truth: Our Savior Lives and He loves us and He cares for us and for what we are going through. It doesn't matter if our world is full of war; it doesn't matter if we are struggling with cancer of any form, with COVID or any other disease or virus. It doesn't matter what it is...... our God, our Lord Jesus Christ, and our Holy Spirit - all care for us and will walk us through any journey we go through. My heart also breaks for those who reject Jesus, for those who do not personally know Him, for life will be so much harder to get through without Him. I am confident of this, that no matter what road we are on, what path we take, as long as Jesus is walking with us, we will see Him in Paradise. That is what I live for.
Do I ever want to give up? Oh yes! Sometimes it is a battle not to just throw in the towel and let satan have his way and let me be mean and hateful. But I know that, even if I fail and do just that, I confess my sin and I am forgiven. My life's goal isn't to get rich; it isn't to have all I want; it isn't just a good life - my life's goal is to be with Jesus at the end of my life.
What about you? Have you given any thought to what may be ahead of you? What about your family, those who do life with you? Most will follow the example that is before them. Are you being the example that will lead them to Jesus and to Paradise at the end of their life? Something to think about.
Deuteronomy 30:19 "I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your decendants may live;....."
Choose life. Who do you choose today to follow? Choose Jesus.
You will never regret it.
Never.
Ever.
