Vascular Surgeon and Eternity

Yesterday I visited a Vascular Surgeon who will place a stint in my neck while I am on the Operating Table. The intent is to prevent a blood clot moving to my heart or lungs during surgery.

Next week I go to the hospital to have an ultra sound done on my lower legs to provide a baseline for the doctors to examine before and after surgery. All of this is as precaution to limit the possibility of complications during or following surgery. I appreciate their caution and prevention.

I also know there is a "moderate" chance of serious complications including death. I also face the possibility of a debilitating stroke. I face the possibility of getting phlebitis. There are many other lessor risks. However, I am sure I am doing the right thing. I must either get better or face unacceptable consequences.

I should have done this two or three years ago at least. I had two reasons: 1) I did not have time. I was too busy. 2) I was afraid and not desperate enough to face the fear.

Now I feel I have no choice. I either face the fear or or die. I may still die. However, I am not promised tomorrow. I know that. I will choose to trust God. I will choose to face this with the confidence of one who has been saved by grace. I will choose to face this as a child of the King. I will choose to face this as one who has been to the darkest place in life and was brought out by the Eternal Light. I will choose to face this whether I live or whether I die, my life is in the hands of Jesus, the nail-scarred hands. I will live. Probably for a little longer here. If not, then sooner or later, there where there is no more crying, no more suffering, no more pain, where the Tree of Life is in eternal bloom.