An Interesting Conversation With My Doctor At His Office

I had an appointment with a doctor yesterday and after we dealt with medical issues my doctor—who knows I am a pastor—began talking with me about matters of faith. This physician is a sincerely devoted Christian who is not only a highly skilled and respected medical practitioner but he can also speak very knowledgeably about Christian doctrine.

At one point, I was sitting on the examination table talking with the doctor about the implications for salvation which are revealed to us in the story of Jesus’ conversation with the thief on the cross and I inwardly chuckled as I thought about what was happening. I was talking with a certain measure of expertise—biblically speaking—about the condition of a man’s heart with a physician whose medical specialty involves the heart. (Of course, I was speaking of the heart in a spiritual sense and his expertise has to do with the physical organ in our chest.)

I thought, “Well, this is probably not the typical cardiologist/patient examination room conversation.”

As the visit drew to a close he said, “You’re doing very well.”

I stood, we shook hands and I said, “So are you, doc.”

We laughed.

Then I went to the cashier’s station at the office and saw the bill and I wasn’t laughing quite as much. In fact, I felt some slight discomfort in my chest.

(Just kidding.)

I did not intentionally select this doctor and seek him out based on a trusted recommendation. I am connected with him as a result of an emergency room visit to a local hospital. It all seems very random but I wonder: Is it possible God arranged for me to have a doctor who would navigate my medical needs with great competence and who would minister to my soul, as well?

I think it is.

P.S. I was told I had lost 3 pounds since my last visit to this office, in early June. I honestly do not know how this is possible. (It may involve the low-cal offerings on the Taco Bell menu.) I was fairly certain I had gained at least a couple of pounds since my last visit. Apparently God has rigged the scale at this office so I won’t get yelled at again.

P.P.S I’m not very certain about the theological implications of my “God-rigged-the-scale” theory. But that’s what I’m going with, for now.

Things I've Learned From Spending Time In Hospitals

HERE ARE A FEW RANDOM THINGS I’VE LEARNED FROM SPENDING TIME IN HOSPITALS

Even if the patient is conscious, alert and intelligent he or she needs an advocate—a family member or good friend who asks questions, listens, consults, pays attention to what is happening and, in general, helps look out for the patient.

Many people, even if they are not particularly religious, are willing to be prayed for when they are in the hospital. (In fact, for some people, a serious medical issue helps them understand they believe in God more than they realized.)

Even though medical advancements have been significant and have brought us to an impressive place, there is still much we do not know.

Medical diagnosis and treatment requires the insights of objective scientific research, but it still involves an element of subjective judgment, as well.

There is no such thing as a “minor surgery” for the person who is being operated on.

If you are healthy it is not unusual to take your good health for granted. Until…

Many people could never work in the medical field because they would find it to be too personal, serious, gross, physically disturbing, and emotionally heavy. So be kind and appreciative of those who do work in the medical field. Not everyone is capable of offering the kind of care they give.

If you are wondering whether or not you should visit someone who is in the hospital but you’re inclined to think, “I don’t want to bother the person.” Go visit.

When you are in a room with a patient try to pay attention and do not step on any tubes.

If you are a patient, the care you receive and your perception of the care you receive will typically be better if you are kind, patient, courteous, friendly and respectful of everyone who works at the hospital

God is still the Great Physician even for those who do not believe it.