Healing a Broken Heart

I've had my heart on my mind for most of the summer as it has become a source of concern.  I had a mini stroke in June which was thought to be caused by a papillary fibroelastoma on my mitral valve (small tumor in my heart) or a atrial septal defect (small hole between the atriums of my heart).  Both these  anomalies are to be repaired surgically later this month.   Thankfully I am a candidate for minimally invasive cardiac surgery.  As my mind had previously been mostly concerned with my Mom's health, since her passing, my anxiety has risen for my own health.

Instead of focusing on my worries I am going to focus on what God says:

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look a the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"  Matthew 5:25-27

My worrying does not have any benefit to me or to my family.  I will focus on the moment at hand and treat my minutes as precious.

"There for do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."  Matthew 6:34. 

Instead I will trust in God and in God alone.  

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

"He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds"  Psalms 147:3

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."  Psalm 73:26

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6-7.

9/11

One never knows what a new day has in store.  Let us live each day to the fullest and never miss a chance to let those dearest to us know of our love for them.

Life's Mission

While composing notes of thanks to the many friends and family of my Momma and Daddy, I found my Mom's written out mission statement.  

"My Mission:  To live my life with meaning for me so that I can say: 

               I enjoyed the journey, 

                       took care of my physical needs,

                                was open to growth and change, 

                                                                   did my job well,

                                       was supportive and loving to my family and friends,

                                           made a difference to others , 

                                                     made contributions to community and family,

                                                         created an atmosphere of hospitality at home.  

To Fulfill mission, I will:

                                         Be a loving and supportive wife

                                          Contribute to hospitable atmosphere at home

                                          Seek opportunities for physical fitness and mental growth

                                           Work on doing my job more effectively

                                            Fulfill community/church obligations as appropriate

                                            Encourage spouse/children, family and optimally build relationships

                                            Build relationships with friends and collegues

Priority Roles:  

                       Wife- actively build relationship

                        Mother-  Support growth, be friend and enjoy

                        Community/Church/Friend- to do duties and fulfill obligations as an active participant

                        Facilitator child care:  Build meaningful relationships

                         Intersession coordinator

                         Extended family member"

This must have been written longer than 12 years ago based on her stated roles.  What encourages me about this is that my Momma lived her life with intention.  She was listening for the call of God in her life and shaped her goals around the call as wife, mother, and member of the community.  She used her mission and thought of ways to fulfill the mission while also considering her main roles she served.

In her plan, her actions were that of service as a wife, mother, church member, educator, friend, and member of the community.  She was a wife of forty-eight years, a mother whose children grew up to love God and we called her a best friend in our adult lives.  She was a joyful servant in her church.  She was a valued educator who many friends from the school board came by to pay their respects.  Based on the support and visits she received on her last days, she definitely made an impact on her community.  It was a quiet but moving impact that encouraged others to be the best they can be. 

She fulfilled her mission.  Each day as we miss her, but yet get up and get on with living, I know she would be pleased, as she would want us too, to be intentional in our lives.  I am encouraged and also challenged to make a life mission statement.  

Hebrews 12:1-2

"Since we stand before so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, with our eyes set on Jesus who initiated our faith and will bring it to perfection."