I hadn’t been to a doctor in a long time and was anxious about the help I might need. Being a nurse, I knew the possibilities of normal ageing and the side effects of treatments. I’m not a very good patient and prefer to think I don’t need help.
The physician and staff were kind and professional. The lab results were good except for a high cholesterol level. My good LDL cholesterol, weight, blood pressure, not being a smoker and lack of complications like diabetes, were in my favor. I declined a prescription for cholesterol lowering medication.
The nurse practitioner sighed and agreed that in light of excellent, overall health, the high cholesterol was probably genetic. She suggested, “Let’s do the American Heart Association algorithm and find out your predicted risk for heart attack in the next 10 years.”
She punched in my information and grinned, “It says you have less than 3% risk. I guess all of us could say that.” We agreed I would continue to eat healthy, exercise and add more fish as well as a garlic supplement to my diet. Labs redrawn in 6 months. It felt good to want and receive help.
My foreboding fear of needing help suddenly lost its power and was replaced with appreciation for the good numbers. Armed with factual information and Godly wisdom, I now wanted help to assure the healthy functioning of my physical body.
For some of us, it’s hard to reach out and want help. Who doesn’t want to live a long, healthy and fulfilled life? It seems wise to seek and want the help of the One who created me. He alone gives me the discipline to carry out healthy instructions.
My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths. If you live a life guided by wisdom, you won’t limp or stumble as you run. Carry out my instructions; don’t forsake them. Guard them, for they will lead you to a fulfilled life. (NLT: Proverbs 4: 10 – 13)