Trust and Check Ups

Eleanor Roosevelt said it best, "do something that scares you." I, too, believe that it is important to push outside your comfort zone, in order to achieve personal goals and help live your best life. This week I had my yearly checkup at my doctor's office. If I'm being honest, I put it off for about a year, especially during the pandemic. However, I have used to pandemic and common fears as a shield to hide behind, so I wouldn't have to deal with the fear. You see, ever since I was a little girl, I HATED going to the doctor. I don't mind shots, needles, blood tests, poking and prodding, etc. My doctor is also very kind and highly knowledgeable. I just dread what the doctor is going to find, especially what's IN my blood (cue Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood" LOL). What's more, I'm in my early 30's now, and I can't help but wonder, is there something that I'm going to have to deal with? Plus, I can't STAND sitting in that tiny exam room for too long. It makes me want to bolt down the door and run.

The truth is, I've always been very conscientious about my health, and I think that the healthier you are, the greater your chances are at living your best life. I don't want any disease, ailment, condition, whatever you want to call it, to stand in my way of living. While no life on earth is perfect, I want to live as much as I can and never miss out on the fun (I've always been like this as a child).

While I was sitting in the waiting room, debating on whether or not to run, two truths came to me:

1. The waiting room wall displays this verse, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13

2. I thought about a dear friend from college, who is now a minister. Specifically, he recently shared about facing his own fear of flying, and he says that he now applies this mantra/truth to his own life: "Either I trust God, or I don't."

I realized that while it's ok to be afraid, it's definitely NOT ok to live in a constant state of fear. Sometimes, there are uncomfortable, unpleasant moments where we just have to face the music, and do things, even if we are scared. I also applied my friend's truth at my appointment. "What can possibly happen that God can't handle? God has carried me this far for a reason, and it's far from over. Even if there's a challenge, He will make a way. He always does." I'm happy to say that the appointment went very well, and my bloodwork and checkup all came back "normal." Thank you, God, for good health! It's something I won't take for granted. I especially send love and prayers to those not in good health, especially having to receive bad news from their doctors.

Whatever you are facing, remember the One who holds you. He will never leave you alone. Things that look impossible to us are nothing on our God, our Father who loves us very much and wants us to turn to Him for all of life's moments, the good and the bad. Today, I choose to focus on the good and use this as a reminder and building block of how far He's carried me.

"God can do anything, you know- far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!" Ephesians 3:20 msg

Be blessed, as you take those steps of faith!

Peace and joy,

Amy