How’s your heart?

I had to see a cardiologist last week. What prompted this appointment was high blood pressure and the results from an EKG. A PA put me on a new Rx a few weeks ago that seemed to take care of my bp, however, my EKG indicated I needed further testing. I had a stress test, so next up was an appt. with the cardiologist.

I really wasn’t nervous about it. I looked forward to meeting him and truly planned on receiving good news that everything is OK.

When I was alone in the examining room, I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful wooden bookshelves that were filled with books that all said “Heart” something on the cover. Shocking, I know. But seriously, how many books are there about the heart?

Behind me was a mirror with a message written around it on the wall that said something like, “Miracles happen every day.” I l o v e d it. I’m sure many have hoped for a miracle – especially when their heart was failing. I was going to get out my phone and snap a pic, however, I figured the doctor would walk in about that time and think I was taking a selfie — which would be weird and awkward. Ha ha ha.

First, someone came in to do another EKG, followed with a lot of detailed questions that required a lot of answers I had to think about. Some answers were obvious, but some of the questions were different than what I expected. That’s when the doc explained that I may have a beginning of a blockage. As a result, I had the option of scheduling a scan (with dye) or a heart cath. If they don’t see a blockage with the scan, then there won’t be any further tests. Of course, if there’s a blockage, they could take care of it right away if I would go with the second option.

He said it was up to me. I didn’t hesitate with my answer – I wanted a scan.

You might be wondering why on earth I wouldn’t want to do the heart cath and take care of it right away – if needed. Believe me, I realize that timing is everything. I’ve heard many stories when a doctor said after a diagnosis or a death, “If only she had come to me a month ago, or even a week ago.” The thing is, I had a heart cath several years ago and didn’t have a good experience. Very scary, actually. I ended up staying in the hospital for about a week. Once you have something like that happen, it makes you run the other way.

I understand why you might question my choice, and I’m trying my best to understand yours….

Why don’t you see a need for Jesus in your life? You might be wondering what Jesus has to do with my appointment. Friend, Jesus has everything to do with my heart — and yours. If it’s something you’re putting off for another time, remember that time is fleeting. If you had a negative experience associated with church, please don’t let that reflect who God is – and what Jesus did for you. People fail. God doesn’t. If you really don’t know that much about him, why not spend some time reading about him? If you don’t have a Bible and you’re shy about asking a friend, google this question: Why is Jesus important to Christians? That’s a start, anyway.

Listen, I’m not your judge. I don’t want that job! I’m just passing on what I know and what I’ve read in God’s Word. Just like when the cardiologist told me I had a choice, you have to make a choice, too. NO one wants to hear that there’s something wrong with their heart, however, taking the time to make sure it’s OK is worth it.

God told us through His word that we are all sinners. No matter how good we look on the outside, we need Jesus. It’s a choice I made years ago, and I’ve never regretted it. No one forced me. No one had to drag me to church. I felt a tug, His invitation, and I accepted.

Am I perfect? Far from it. Is my life magical and without problems? Ha! No. But, I now have hope, guidance, strength, love, comfort, and wisdom from the One who specializes in transforming hearts – Jesus.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ~ John 14:6

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. ~ Psalm 51:10

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. ~ John 3:16