My husband survived an aortic dissection in 2012 and since then adjusted to a moderately healthy lifestyle. Of course, with this experience came a sense of second chance and a renewed purpose for both John and me. Shortly after Thanksgiving in 2020, he was experiencing concerning discomfort in his chest. A scheduled catheterization procedure revealed a 90% blockage of the frontal vessel requiring a stent placement. He no longer has chest discomfort, and only a small scar from the incision on his wrist is visible, which pales in comparison to the scars from aortic dissection 9 years ago.
This incident got us thinking about the importance of maintaining our health and not taking for granted God’s grace, both seen and unseen, that keeps us healthy. People constantly exercise, diet, and fast, in combination or all the above, to maintain physical health. Similarly, we practice self-care in ways that best recharge us to maintain mental and emotional health. To that point, we faithfully incorporate personal and social holiness in our daily life to maintain spiritual health as good Methodists. One common lesson for sure is this: we must continually maintain our physical and spiritual health before we get to enjoy them.
I believe God wants us to enjoy all the goodness this life offers, especially the health and wellness of our body and spirit.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for your healing and restoring power. Keep us safe and well during this time of COVID pandemic, even through the challenges beyond it. We pray in your name, Amen.
Jin Lee is a layperson from North Raleigh UMC in Raleigh