Trusting the Smart Ones

I’m waiting. 

And watching.

And trusting some people who are smarter than I. 

I have to trust them, for they are the trained

ones, the skilled ones, the studied ones. 

Last week my doctor told me to quit work, for it was interfering with my preparation time for surgery in December.  That was a tough order for someone like me who has worked at some job since age 12 when I mowed lawns.

Instead, my job now is to “work” on myself, take care of myself, so I can be in the best shape possible for my surgery in December.

And so, I trust these wise ones.  I believe in my cardio doctor.  He has studied … he knows the right treatment, and he has a whole team of smart people around me who want me to get better.

My cardio doc trusts my exercise specialist, Peggy, who has worked out a routine for me to follow every day, and I trust her, and I follow it.

And I trust my wife who plays a major role in my meal prep, and my love and support team.  I am feasting like a king – and my diet does not include bacon and nachos, fatty foods and high sodium ingredients.  I am well-fed, well-medicated, and well-loved.

They are getting me ready for the ‘big’ event. 

And I trust myself to their care, knowing they are the smart ones.

Oh yes, I trust God also. He is with me at all times, awake and asleep. 

This is my morning reflection.

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Practicing What You Preach

We’ve heard this phrase a thousand times, and yet again today it was made fresh to me.

I was at the gym early this morning for my first assessment and round of exercises toward getting my heart stronger.  My normal routine is to keep my head down and concentrate on my own stuff.  A tall man in a light blue cap approached me and said, “I thought that was you.”  It was my cardio doctor – Dr. S.  He’s the main quarterback in getting me back into my game and the one who said, “I can give you another twenty years.”

And here he stood, hand outstretched, smile on his face, and a warm greeting.  He had a ring of sweat on his tee-shirt, and he had been doing the very thing he was encouraging me to do.  Exercising.

He even asked my exercise specialist how I was doing.  And I don’t think he will bill me for that consultation. 

Can you imagine what that did for me in that

moment, and what it is doing for me 90-minutes later?  It was a moment of elation, first because he recognized me and asked about me. Second, because he was practicing what he preaches.  He was exercising for himself.

I love that!  My coach understands the game enough to be a player himself. 

I really do believe he can give me another twenty years.  That is my goal.

In another post, I’ll deal with the issues of my own history of practicing what I preach, or not. 

For today, I’m resting in knowing I’m in good hands … all of them. 

This is my morning reflection.

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The Other Side of Fear

Evidently, I’m sicker than I look.  My doctor says I have a weak heart. 

That frightens me.

But on the other side of fear … hope.

My doctor says I have 85-90% blockage in my arteries. 

That frightens me.

But on the other side of fear … he can do something about that and give me twenty more years.

I could list a lot of foods that are now off my diet.  I may miss them from time to time.  And I fear for when the cravings may kick in.

However, you should see what I had for dinner last night – an amazing cube steak with mushrooms, carrots, green beans, and for dessert – yummy rice pudding.

I have fears about what I’m now into, and the losses, and the changes of lifestyle, but on the other side of my fears … GREAT HOPE!

I have great hope for I choose to live a better-quality life.

I fear every new step on this new journey.  Today I go back to work for a few hours.  I’m fearful. 

Today I have to make choices for lunch.  I know what I want to choose … now will I actually choose it.  I am fearful.

But I face my fears.  I trust my new resolve.  I trust my doctors.  I trust my wife who believes in me, I trust my God, and I trust the wisdom of others in the choices I will make today.

Fear will probably nip at my heels for a while now with every decision I make, and that is okay.  Perhaps it helps me tread even more carefully, plant each step with more intentionality, and be present and mindful with every choice, every bite and every thought.

Yes, I’m fearful …

And on the other side of my fears … I’m hopeful.

This is my morning reflection.

Morning Notes Blog Site

Words of Hope

Encouragement Inspiration

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