Doctors and Faith

I was making a hospital visit this evening and had a wonderful surprise. I was conversing with the young woman awaiting a procedure when her doctor came in with good news. The procedure would be fairly simple and he expected no complications. I prepared to leave and suggested we pray. As the young woman, her husband and I joined hands to pray we were interrupted.

"May I pray with you?" the doctor asked.

"Certainly!" And as we prayed I could just sense that this was no mere formality. There was a genuine person of faith with us in the circle. He affirmed my asking God to help him give the best care humanly possible to his patient. After our prayer he shared the name of a local church where he is a member--a strong congregation with a vibrant witness in our community.

I know the young woman was thrilled to learn that she was under the care of one who realizes that all healing ultimately comes from God. And I was thrilled too, thrilled to be reminded that faith can reside in perfect harmony with the reason of a sharp intellect. Our Christian worldview need not take a backseat to any other philosophy of life in the world of ideas.

Thank you God for a little shot in the arm and the reminder to keep sharpening my mind.

Football and "the Better Part"

If you don't have a team you passionately root for you won't understand. Unless you're a fan you can't comprehend this fanaticism. MY Buckeyes went down in ignominious defeat to the Gators last night. My reaction?

Disappointment is not strong enough a word.

Devastation is close, but perhaps just a little too strong.

Depression? You better believe it!

Isn't it crazy how we can let our priorities get out of whack? It's going to take me a while to get over that football loss--and it's just a game! There are a whole lot more important things, things that will make a difference for eternity, that should grip my soul. I've actually been kind of embarassed before the Lord today. I don't think that it's because I should be any less passionate about my football team. But there are some more important things whose passion should exceed that of any sport in my life.

Jesus told Martha that her sister, Mary, had chosen "the better part" by spending time at His feet, being blessed by His words and His presence. God help me to choose the better part for my life each day!

After the game I left the party, went home and sank in bed to read a book to calm me down enough to sleep. I awoke in the wee hours wide-eyed with my mind replaying the horrid images of the disaster. Finally I drifted back to sleep only to wake up after daylight hearing a happy little voice asking for attention.

I walked into Evan's room to see him standing in his crib and holding a small plastic football. And what do you think the first words out of his mouth were this morning? "Bravo Bucks!"

I had to smile and maybe my hurt eased just a little.

I'm considering giving up football--well, for at least the next eight months!