With My Whole "HEART"

On November 6, 2008, I had tripple-by-pass surgery. I would never in even my wildest dreams thought that I would go through this. I will say, however, that the morning of Nov 6, I did have complete peace about what was about to take place. My daughter, Cathy, drove up from Atlanta to spend time with me. My hubby, Jim, spent hours sitting at my bedside. My other family came often during my stay in the hospital.

I do remember thinking about Jonah (a short book and I hope you will read it) and how he had been in the belly of a whale for 3 days and nights. And, so I thought, well maybe God was taking me through a dark and deep time to teach me a few lessons. How many times do I try to take control and do things my way. Do I always obey God, or do I run from His leading just as Jonah did. Because Jonah had disobeyed and gotten on a boat to run away, there came a terrible storm and the men on the boat were afraid. Where was Jonah? Well, he was asleep. Didn't even care if the people were scared. I asked myself the question, "do I sometimes not even notice those whom I love are hurting and maybe need a helping hand. Or, am I so content in my own doing, that I cannot feel their pain?" Is the way I am living a testimony for or against the Lord?

Now, please do not get me wrong. I am not saying that every person who goes through major surgery has disobeyed God and is being put through a test. I am just saying that for me, I felt I needed to address that thought. Actually, I probably could address the fact that I don't always eat the low fat, low salt foods that the doctors say is helpful in preventing heart blockage. I guess a combination of both.

But, whatever caused this is beyond my knowledge, so I will just dwell on the fact that God is so loving and brought me through this. The first 4 to 6 weeks, I just knew I would never work again, never be without pain, never feel like I would remember things again. Oh my, it was a difficult time. But, while laying around and wondering if I would ever get a taste for food again, or would I ever be able to sleep without being in an almost sitting position, I talked with my Saviour and learned how very PRECIOUS HE REALLY IS!

We had just starting visiting another church in July of '08, and didn't really know a lot of people. And, yet, when they heard of my surgery, our home was filled with meals from these wonderful people. One of the ladies had organized a group of families to bring dinner each night for a few days. My husband could eat!! The cards and letters and phone calls poured in from so many wonderful friends and family. God works through people and He sent us a "feast" of them.

Well, my heart is healing and my appetite is coming back and my strength is just as before and I can say so truthfully that God is so good! Why did I go through this? I can only quote Romans 8:28, "and we know that all things work for good, to those that love God." Yes, "it was good that I was afflicted that I may learn your statues." (Psalm 119:71) And, what does God want us to do? "He has shown you, (me) O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8