I had to get my head examined today...again. I can just hear the jokes and wisecracks, thank you very much.
It was the annual brain MRI to keep an eye on things upstairs. I really do not like those things. Fortunately I don't get claustrophobic, as some people do. It's just really not comfortable lying on that hard table, and having to keep your head in one position without moving it for an hour. And then there's the dreaded IV, for the contrasting dye they have to inject at the halfway point. Definitely not an enjoyable way to start the day!
As I lay there grumbling in my mind about it, my thoughts drifted to a childhood friend. She has fought a lengthy and courageous battle with brain cancer, which now appears to be winning. Her doctors have exhausted every treatment and clinical trial available, and now she is at home, drifting in and out of consciousness, her heartbroken family gathered around to soak up every precious moment they have left with her.
While we continue to pray for healing this side of heaven for my sweet friend, it's entirely possible that she will, soon, be entering the arms of her Savior. There is deep sorrow in that, but deep joy, for her, as well.
Suddenly I began to feel a lot more comfortable in that cold, hard, magnetic imaging machine. My grumpy attitude turned to one of thankfulness for my own life and its many blessings. I am well, my MS is stable (I think), and even if it's not, hopefully the MRI will reveal to my doctor any concerns we may need to address. For all my friend has gone through, all I have heard for so long is how amazing her attitude has been, how she has kept her infectious smile and freely shared her faith throughout the whole ordeal.
So I started singing praise songs (to myself), and promptly settled into a place of peace.
Funny how I thought I was just getting my head examined. My heart got a check-up, too.
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Isaiah 26:3
