Thought for the Week
My father died on this date. And one week from today, I’m scheduled for a major heart procedure. One that could spare me the fate that killed my dad at age 45. Which, ironically, happened just two weeks after his doctor told him, “Your ticker is in great shape!” They got a lot of things wrong back then.
But then, “they,” i.e. we, still get a lot of things wrong. We condemn each other for crimes against humanity. Ones that (right or wrong) were societal norms only a few years–or even months–ago. And we assume that the worst things we hear about people are true. We fail to listen to each other, preferring instead to talk about each other.
And then we die. Before we can break the pattern and change our ways, before we can learn to listen, learn to forgive. I would give anything to have my father back, to finish the hard work of understanding that had only just begun when his “ticker” quit.
Shame on us. God forgive us and teach us to listen, to understand, to forgive, and to love one another–especially our enemies–in whatever time we have left. Help us to break the patterns of judging and condemning…
Before our tickers quit.
∴
I never met a teacher who spoke my language. Mostly they had jargon and I had a song. My father died at 72 having learned to hate everyone and feeling unloved because he felt abandoned by his Mother who put him in an Orphange because she got TB and they had no drugs back then. She was put into isolation and they had nothing. I’m 76 and I’ve learned nothing. I think there’s little time left.
So, may you live and have a teacher who knows you well.
I’m praying you’ll find the peace and love you long for, Doug, and that your song will reflect them.
What a deeply moving reflection, Mitch. Thank you for opening your heart in such a vulnerable and powerful way.
Wishing you strength and peace as you head into your procedure. May it mark not just a renewal of health, but a deepening of everything that truly matters.🙏
Thank you so much, Mohan.
True words! Well said, Mitch. I pray all goes well for your heart procedure.
Thank you so much, Carolyn.
Very welcome! I am sorry about your dad and glad you are taking care of your heart. It hit me when you shared about how your dad had been to the Dr 2 weeks before he died. That was the same with my brother before he collapsed with a massive heart attack when he was 23 years old.
I know heart surgery can be scary, especially when you have family history of heart issues, but you are in the Great Physician’s Hands, you couldn’t be in better ones. Praying He guides the surgeon’s hands.
Thank you so much, Carolyn. And I’m sorry to hear about your brother’s shocking early death.
You are most welcome!
Thanks. He died back in 1984, before Drs knew about all the dangers of high cholesterol and triglycerides.
“Help us to break the patterns of judging and condemning…” ❤️🙏 Praying all goes well with your procedure, Mitch.
Thank you, Kelley!
A great pre-surgery reflection. Hit the confessional for a soul cleanse, if your tradition allows.
Either way, May the Lord guide the surgeon’s hands, inspire the clinical staff to their excellence and comfort all those who worry over you. As for you, your true heart surgery was years ago. You’re just still doing the PT. Persistent Truth. Be well.
Thank you so much, Gerry.
This really hit home. It’s such a powerful reminder to focus on what truly matters and not get caught up in judging others. Funny enough, it made me think about how I’ve started using a service to clean up after my dog, something so small, but it’s given me more time to slow down and be more comfortable in the yard with her, instead of stressing over the mess. Life’s too short to not take those moments to connect, reflect, and just be present. Wishing you strength and healing for your procedure!
Thank you, Jeanie.
I’m praying your surgery is completely successful and your recovery is quick! Beyond that, I agree so much with the point of your post. The time to truly live really is now!
Thank you, dear Ann.
Will be praying all goes well, Mitch.
Thank you, Sarah.
Volume please 🆗️
Trusting all goes well!
Thanks, Geoff!
Prayers that all goes well with your procedure next week. May God’s peace calm and quiet you soul as you wait.
Thank you so much, Shirley.