“I hate doctors!”
Please notice the quotation marks around that sentence! I am quoting someone else (actually a lot of someones).
Along with doctors, some people hate dentists, needles, hospitals, tests, medicine, medical schools, pre-med students, anything medicine-y, actors who portray doctors … (I might have made up a few of those).
The point is that, some people really, really don’t like to go to the doctor AND they don’t mind sharing it.
Can you imagine how those doctors must feel when they hear those sentiments?
It reminds me of the first time I grew a full beard (back in the days when it was reddish brown instead of old goat or Santa Claus white). My Sweetie said, “I don’t like you with a beard.”
I’m sure what she meant to say was, “I like you a lot, but I have a preference for less hair on your face.”
My sweet mother joined in with, “Oh, ick!”
It’s enough to really wound a tender-hearted, sensitive soul like yours truly.
I wasn’t really feeling the love.
Well, guess what—your docs need some love, too.
I suspect that what most reasonable people mean when they say, “I hate doctors” is that they have a bit of personal anxiety over what might result from a doctor visit.
The spring of the year is the time when I see all my doctors that I see once a year (hopefully). These visits are not because I’m sick or experiencing any noticeable symptoms, but because I need to pay attention to my health so that I don’t have to visit them more frequently.
In pondering this time of year for me, I’ve drawn some parallels between physical health and spiritual health. Hopefully, they will encourage you on your journey to Amazing.
I have an annual visit to my dermatologist. Having previously had some skin cancer that required surgery, paying attention to what is going on with my skin is a part of a healthy lifestyle. When I think of skin, I think of how the world views me. I don’t mean how pretty I am, but if I present myself in a way that demonstrates health and vitality. How do I show up? Are people blessed, encouraged, and empowered by my presence?
I have an annual visit to my cardiologist. Having previously had arterial stents implanted, paying attention to what is going on with my heart is crucial to my ongoing health. When I think of heart, I think of character. Am I the same person at all times? Is my private character consistent with my public presentation? Are my motivations pure?
I have an annual dental exam. Having previously suffered from both gum disease and a couple of cracked teeth that required root canals and crowns, paying attention to dental health matters. When I think of teeth, I think of being able to really chew on the solid food of life. Am I prepared to handle tough situations? Do I have the tools necessary to stay with it and keep on chewing on complex problems until they are digestible?
Finally, I have an annual checkup with my primary care physician. This is a thorough look at anything else that may be going on with my health from head to toe. When I think of primary care health, I think of the daily, ongoing habits that keep me functioning effectively. Have I allowed some bad habits to creep in? Have I slacked off on good ones? Is there something that can be addressed with slight adjustments right now that could result in crisis if left unattended?
All these doctors know more than I do. They are not my enemies, but my partners in living the life God has uniquely designed me for. I appreciate them. I love them (in a very non-creepy way).
Our lives matter to God, my friend. Who are the partners that He uses to help you on your journey?
Be amazing today, my friend.
